ARISE Academy

The goal of the garden is to teach students about gardening and nutrition through various school science and liberal arts subjects. This project serves as a resource for students to take on leadership roles in their community. The garden is located in the Ninth Ward area of New Orleans, a designated food desert area with very few retail outlets that sell fresh food. The garden program curriculum includes lessons on the cultural, environmental, and community impact of gardening. The arts education component of the program involves the beautification of the garden space through landscaping of the herb garden, painting of the garden signage, and layout of the space. Students also explore their rich New Orleans history, as well as the global beginnings of various food movements. Through science lessons, they are introduced to soil microbes, beneficial insects, and photosynthesis. Overall, the garden helps to increase their awareness of the sources of whole foods and its health benefits.