My Passion? School Gardens

Hi - I’m Jessica Ferrell and I’m excited to be joining the community of NativeFit healthy lifestyle bloggers. My passion is School Gardens. The desire to create a cultural shift towards a love of healthy eating drew me to the powerful potential of school gardens. With my studies in nutrition and a love of teaching, the garden as a classroom is an easy fit for me to reach students and the broader school community.

The school garden goes far beyond simply educating children and families about the ABC's of healthy eating, to creating an impactful experience with healthy food - well before they ever take that first bite.  

Something special happens when a child plants, nurtures, and  harvests their own food - actually, lots of special things happen.  

I take great pleasure in sharing the excitement students experience when they see that juicy fruit finally appear or pull that earthy vegetable magically from the soil.  And, I love to share their enjoyment as they happily eat nourishing food they grew themselves.

A child's understanding of food changes as they interact with the school garden: It’s not “eat your veggies because they’re good for you and then you can have dessert”- it’s “I can’t wait to eat these amazing fruits and veggies I grew myself!”

Children today face higher rates of obesity, diabetes type 2, and anxiety. The school garden provides an impactful place in the school day where children can learn the skills and knowledge needed to prevent those lifestyle diseases.

The garden is also an important tool for meeting academic standards through experiential learning, creates a sense of place and connection to the environment, and fosters a lifetime love of healthy eating.  School gardens are important.  Join me in bringing the power of school gardens to children everywhere!

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Jessica Ferrell
School Garden Educator & Community Liaison