First School Garden Program, Good Food Sandhills

 In 2007, NC ranked 5th in the nation for childhood obesity; where 42% of Moore County students were overweight or obese. Moore County is populated by many low-income communities struggling to access healthy food while other areas are lush with manicured lawns & golf courses. The FirstSchool Garden Program was developed in response to that growing childhood obesity crisis in Moore County. Originally a partnership of Communities In Schools and FirstHealth of the Carolinas, the FirstSchool Garden Program is now under the direction of Good Food Sandhills through Sandhills Community College. Good Food Sandhills is dedicated to strengthening the community by empowering its youth and citizens to make informed decisions that craft a healthier and more sustainable future. Our emerging Sandhills Green Institute advocates and educates about sustainable food and agriculture. We connect an extensive School Garden Network (14 school gardens impacting more than 6000 students) with Farm-to-School as a NC FoodCorps Site (86% of schools with gardens are eligible for free and reduced lunch) and work to develop local food systems addressing food justice in underserved communities. Through SCC Continuing Education, Good Food Sandhills provides a holistic approach to linking the environment, healthy food and people from seed to table, classroom to community.