Upper Elementary

The goal of this project is to better utilize the garden as a therapeutic tool in the treatment of 72 children we serve as part of our residential and outpatient behavioral health programs. Gardening was chosen as one of our enrichment activities because it aligns with our view that healing happens when we treat the whole child – emotionally, physically, cognitively and socially. Gardening is a purposeful, constructive activity that targets each of these areas simultaneously. The ancillary goal of improving our garden is to expand supply to our community partner, Friendship Gardens.

Newark Christian School (NCS) has been operating K-8 since 1984, in a poverty stricken area of Newark, New Jersey. For years our teachers have wished for a school garden, some years using a vacant lot on the street. Having our own school garden will enable practical lessons in science, history, and health, getting their hands dirty and tasting the fruit of their labors in a concrete ridden city where few families attempt to grow food or incorporate many vegetables into their diets. Our goals are:
1) to ignite a passion in kids to pay attention to what food goes in their body

Our school garden's goal is to provide cost effective fresh produce to our students' families. We live on the edge of the tundra, and though fresh meat and seafood is abundant, fresh vegetables come at a premium at the local store.

The Galiano School Garden is coordinated by the Community Food Program, part of the Galiano Club. The Food Program builds community by growing, preparing, preserving and sharing food. Strengthening island food security, we value collaboration, inclusiveness, healthy growing practices, sustainability and equal food access for all. The garden is the outdoor classroom where we involve community members and integrate learning. With this grant application, we request funds for the continuation of our School Garden program, started by a teacher in 1992.