The Cultivated Classroom @ Gregory-Lincoln Education Center

Gregory-Lincoln is a Fine Arts Magnet prek-8th grade school located in historic Fourth Ward, in the shadow of downtown Houston. Our school community is typical of so many American schools, blessed with talented, smart kids, and struggling with childhood obesity, as well as the looming threat of Type II diabetes. Instead of sitting idly by we decided to raise our pitchforks, plates, and pencils to change how we think and consume food.

We started in the 2011-2012 school year by installing 14 raised garden beds with our community partner Urban Harvest, and the generous support of the Houston Garden Club. We also added a school orchard of 27 trees through the Fruit Tree 101 grant! In 2013 we added 4 more beds, all due to the efforts of parents, partnerships, students and volunteers creating a sense of ownership. We are excited to report we received the 2013 Whole Kids Foundation grant to support our growing efforts. 

Always looking for ways to fuel our vision, we were able to garner support from our HoustonISD food service department. With their donation of a commercial refrigerator/freezer, utensils, small appliances and some paint with elbow grease we were able to create a cozy culinary classroom. Not only do we have classes for kids as an elective, we have introduced “Cook with your Kid nights,” where parents and kids come together to learn how to cook affordable, nutritiously delicious meals side by side. 

We are thrilled to be hosting the WHOLE KIDS FARMERS MARKET one in the fall and spring in conjunction with Whole Foods and Urban Harvest. A totally kid-run venture at our local Whole Foods Market, where several school gardens get a chance to sell their produce to support and promote their growing efforts. We are also showcasing HISD high school culinary programs, where aspiring chefs demo seasonal fare and tastings at the market, just one of our many greening efforts to “grow smart and healthy kids.”

A highlight has been the opportunity for our kids to cook for Alice Waters! We were just beside ourselves, but pulled it together enough to make our kick-butt quiche, garden citrus salad, and rosemary shortbread cookies. A memory the kids will never forget, that infused and inspired our efforts as only a luncheon with Ms. Waters could do. 

Gregory-Lincoln is changing direction and we are proud to stake our spot on the Edible Schoolyard map! Check out our webiste to see us in action!