Phoenix Academic Magnet Elementary

In Fall 2012, with help from Good Food Project (GFP) of The Food Bank of Central LA, we created four 4'x8' raised box organic garden beds & a compost area. While 4th Grade 4-H Club (includes all 87 of school's 4th graders) manages the garden, the entire school (689 students, Pre-K-6) utilizes the garden for science, health & nutrition education. Students learn from GFP staff & their teachers about seed germination, composting, cultivation, and creation & use of organic fertilizers & pesticides. Children learn seasonal planting, as well as how to incorporate different types of flowers & herbs to attract pollinators & repel harmful insects. Nutrition education & healthy eating are curriculum essentials. Many students have changed theirs' & their families' eating habits. Some now have home gardens.

This grant will help fund seasonal garden planting & the purchase of a tiered garden bed, compost bin, bench, & tools, so we can vertically expand our site enabling more kids to participate.