Sonoma School Garden Project

With a high perscentage of our school population being English learners and students on free or reduced lunches, we strive to help students learn where food comes from, how to grow it, how to prepare it, eat healthfully, feed their families healthy food, strive for good health and learning, and how to share what they learn and what they grow with others. We also introduce students to foods and vegetables new to them and their families.

Recognizing that each of our 10 public schools constitutes its own unqiue neighborhood and community, each school develops its school garden in ways to draw in both their students and parents of the students. Some of our parents feel uncomfortable attending PTO meetings because of language, value their children's education, and are eager to help in the gardens to help their schools.

The gardens have become centers for life and even learning business practices by selling flowers and vegetables at some schools, occasional restaurants, and at Sonoma farmers markets. The gardens have also become safe places for students with social and special needs.