Sidney Lanier High School

The Lanier Garden motto is “Putting the Culture back in Agriculture.” This is a multifaceted project that brings together a cross-section of the 65 countries represented at the school and community around the production of healthy food close to home. Participants save money and connect with neighbors. Students led the initial funding drive and garden development and continue to learn in and support the garden through their FFA classes, including welding, construction, soil studies, and vegetable growing in 5 garden plots. Through a partnership with the Multicultural Refugee Coalition (MRC) New Leaf Agriculture Program, 13 garden plots provide local refugee families from 4 countries outlets for improved mental and physical health. Grant funding will allow us to increase our food production through a garden expansion – raised beds and a fruit orchard. Additionally, we will complete our new outdoor classroom with seating benches and trellises for edible vines on the structure’s columns.