Remember when Ronald Regan declared ketchup a suitable vegetable for school lunches? Since there's such an upswing in childhood obesity, people are re-visiting what is served with the corn dogs and tater tots. Some cafeterias are letting go of cling peaches for some fresher stuff grown right on their own grounds. School yard gardens can help teach natural sciences, help our rotund youngsters get a little exercise and outdoor time, as well as provide school cafeterias with fresh produce.
The The National Gardening Association has created an "Adopt a School" program where you can donate to the cause. Here's their POV:
Why Adopt?
NGA's innovative Adopt a School Garden program (ASG) lets you support a school garden in your community. When you adopt a school, our ASG coordinator goes right to work, communicating with the school to identify:
* A school garden team leader
* An area of educational emphasis
* Materials to support educational objectives
* Goals for No Child Left Behind and Wellness Policy
* Means for generating broad community interest
* Factors that encourage long-term sustainability.
We also manage the distribution of funds, follow-up of school garden program progress, and provide ongoing guidance -- all critical to ensuring the success of the program.
NGA has been supplying timely, free resources for educators, community volunteers, and parents for more than 30 years. But we can only provide these services with your financial support. Demand for our ASG program far exceeds our capacity to provide it. Won't you make NGA's ASG program a priority for your charitable giving?
For more information, contact Keri Evjy at 800-538-7476 x 122