Metzer Elementary

Recently, four raised beds were added to the garden. Now, each grade-level can have their own bed (new beds were constructed by a Girl Scout working on her Citizenship Badge). Additionally, Food|Waves (non-profit) donated soil, amendments and plants to promote organic gardening to students.. So, with eight raised beds total, we plan to use the garden in a variety of ways:

1) Educate students, teachers, and families about how to: A) plant, water, and harvest herbs and vegetables; B) improve the soil to grow strong, healthy plants; and, C) prepare the vegetables for snacks and meals.

2) Promote sustainable gardening methods as long-term solutions to many agricultural, social, and environmental problems such as food security, obesity/diabetes/heart disease, and heavy use of chemicals in modern, industrial farming.

3) Work to develop hands-on, outdoor leaning opportunities, as well as, integrate garden-related topics into the classroom.

4) Integrate families associated with the summertime food program and Head Start to water the beds and harvest the fresh, organic veggies to provide free and healthy food during the summer.

5) Organize trainings for families so they can learn how to start their own home gardens.

This program is supported by Food|Waves.