Virginia Chance School

With the help of a grant and community donations, our school was able to build a hoop house that will enable us to grow fruits and vegetables year round. We are requesting a Whole Kids Garden Grant to plant a variety of vegetables, fruit bearing trees and shrubs in and around the greenhouse to enhance experiential learning while promoting healthy, locally grown foods and supporting biodiversity. Many of the fruit bearing trees and shrubs will be native species to help our students and local community learn about the food carbon footprint and gain an appreciation for fruit that is native to Kentucky. Students will learn what it takes to grow healthy food-bearing plants (health of the trees and plants, nutrients and water, soil quality, natural pest management, pollination and harvest) as they work in the garden throughout the year. The health of our students (and community) will improve as they are able to supplement snacks and lunches with fresh, organically grown produce.