Healthy Gardens, Healthy Youth

Abstract

Describe the development and implementation of an Educational Toolkit (ET) employed in the Healthy Gardens, Healthy Youth People's Garden School Pilot Project, a 4-state, 2-year USDA-funded research project (n=4,000) to assess whether school gardens promote fruit and vegetable (FV) intake among elementary school students. Elementary School youth grades 2-6 Based on social learning theory, the ET uses observational and hands-on learning to promote FV consumption, nutritional knowledge, and STEM skills (science, technology, engineering and math) through gardening. Designed for students in grades 2, 4, and 5 during the project's first year, and grades 3, 5 and 6 during the second year, the ET consists of 40 lessons to guide schools through two seasons of gardening. Extension specialists from the four collaborating universities reviewed 17 curricula, numerous garden implementation tools and other materials to select appropriate resources to support this project. YouTube videos, pre-recorded webinars and other downloadable resources make efficient use of technology by providing clear and consistent on-line training for educators from coast to coast. Data collected over an 18-month period included teacher, child and parent surveys. A total of 1041 lessons were delivered in 24 schools, 289 classrooms, reaching approximately 2500 students. There was considerable variability in ET implementation, with an average of 60% of lessons were delivered. The ET provides resources for teachers, administrators and school nutrition professionals to help them implement and utilize school gardens to promote FV intake.