Anwatin Community Garden

Anwatin Middle School is part of Minneapolis Public Schools, nestled near downtown Minneapolis. Our school serves nearly 600 students in 6th through 8th grades.  We are an IB World and Spanish Dual Immersion serving 50% African American, 25% Hispanic, 15% White American, and 9% Asian American students. Around 20% of our students receive Special Education services and 23% receive EL services. 

Our school garden was started in 2014 by a science teacher in collaboration with memebers of our community.  We have had a bright beginning and are planning to continue developing our gardening program.

We are revitalizing our program with the goal of creating a comprehensive gardening program that will engage more students, teachers and community members.  Our garden will provide a source of healthy food, as well as a teaching resource across content areas. Our goal is to have every teacher and student be part of growing and preparing food.

For many of our students, their knowledge of the food supply chain ends at the grocery store, convenience store, or restaurant. Many of our kids lack the connection to healthy food as a renewable resource they can cultivate.  A garden plot not only enhances students’ knowledge of where their food comes from, it also promotes healthy habits and environmental awareness. Students who garden together get the unique experience of working as a community to create something tangible that benefits everyone.

Our own garden-to-cafeteria program will improve student, family, and community engagement with events throughout the year. These events are centered around food and are designed to nourish our bodies and community.