It all started in 1995 with the idea that we can transform children's relationship with food if we give them a taste of what's possible. To demonstrate this simple truth, Alice Waters created the first Edible Schoolyard in partnership with the principal at a public middle school in Berkeley. 

As the idea took shape, a committed and creative coalition of educators, families, farmers, cooks, and artists joined the effort.

Involving students directly was key: with their participation, an organic garden took root and flourished as a rich teaching environment, while a kitchen classroom brought everyone to the table to share what they were learning. 

Today, Alice Waters's idea is known as edible education, and that very first program in California inspires and trains educators from across the country – and around the world – to seed and grow sustainable programs in their communities.

2. Our Work 

THE MODEL 

The garden, kitchen, and cafeteria at King Middle School serve as a demonstration site and innovation hub for the edible education curriculum and pedagogy. We have worked closely with the whole school community to connect a one-acre teaching garden and a dedicated kitchen classroom to the science and humanities curricula taught to all students. Evening family classes invite parents and trusted adults to learn with and from their students. Across the playground, the larger cafeteria kitchen prepares delicious school meals from scratch for all public school students in Berkeley, using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients.

TRAINING

In our professional development programs and short courses, we empower other educators to create and sustain similar programs in their home communities. Our goal is to help schools develop strong edible education programs grounded in shared standards of practice and justice, responsive to the cultural, institutional, and funding realities of their own particular contexts. Since 2009, we have trained 897 teachers, administrators, food service staff, nutritionists, community leaders, and parents from over 367 schools worldwide, representing more than 1 million students in 42 US states. 

TOOLS & TECHNOLOGY

Everything we create is documented and shared for free. Our online Resource Library and Network community offer educators vetted lessons, teaching practices, program tools, and training materials – fostering the creation, growth, and enrichment of edible education programs near and far. 

ADVOCACY 

We are proud to be part of a dynamic national and international movement uniting grassroots and community groups with highly influential civic and government institutions, all committed to forging a just, sustainable food system and future. 

THE EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD PROJECT STAFF 

THE EDIBLE SCHOOLYARD PROJECT AMBASSADORS 

4. Annual Reports & Financials

Our annual reports provide details of our program work and a full list of our supporters. Download our most recent annual reports in PDF format below, or contact us to request a hard copy. 

ANNUAL REPORTS 

• 2014-2016 (PDF) 
• 2013-2014 (PDF) 
• 2012-2013 (PDF) 
• 2010-2012 (PDF)