Uptown School Complex "Island Gardening"

 Urban School Gardening on a barrier island in New Jersey.

We are in Y2 of this project which brings gardening to our students here in Atlantic City (Absecon Island, NJ). The program connects the entire school community 700 students (K-8) with our fledgling urban gardens (all on the school grounds). While do have a kitchen classroom facility, we have not moved towards incorporating that yet (planned for next year). Our work is incorporated into our school day. It is a cross-curricular experience (varies from grade to grade). It also has a tasting component which has allowed our students to expand their culinary experiences with fresh vegetables and fruits. When possible, the cafeteria has utilized produce from our garden (cabbage primarily). This project is in partnership with Sodexo (our food service company) and Rutgers University Agricultural Extension Service’s Grow Healthy Grant. The Uptown School Complex is an urban, K-8, community based school in a transitional neighborhood serving primarily minority and economically disadvantaged students. The facility is located on the Absecon Bay in the inlet section of the city.