Sugarland Elementary

Sugarland's Inside Out Garden is a powerful educational and environmental tool. Through gardening, our students have an opportunity to develop a greater understanding of the natural world. It provides our impoverished students their first opportunity to dig into dirt and watch plants grow. In addition, the garden provides broader life lessons including contributing to students' knowledge of how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Because Louisiana is experiencing an epidemic of child obesity and weight-related diseases, the need for prevention education is critical. The garden program works to combat this epidemic by teaching our students about proper nutrition and physical activity. The pride and curiosity sparked by growing fruits and vegetables in our garden motivates students to try them, leading to more positive attitudes and eating behaviors. Overall, our garden program creates opportunities to teach students what they should eat through fun hands-on experiences.