Edible Schoolyards

Alice Waters will be here tomorrow, December 2nd to discuss edible schoolyards. These are gardens that are planted at schools. These gardens become part of the curriculum for many of the classes. Math classes design the layout and plan what will be planted using geometry and algebra. English classes spend time in the garden reflecting and writing essays. Science classes cook product and talk about the science of cooking. Edible schoolyards are a great tool to get students engaged. And, curriculum can be developed for any age group.
California has led the charge in developing these edible schoolyards. Through Alice Waters efforts the state will soon have a garden in every elementary school. Even here in Indiana several schools have started them.
For more information check out the edible schoolyard website.

Grants for School Garden Projects

Do you have a Slow Food In Schools Project? Do you want to start a Slow Food In Schools Project? We've come across a few funding opportunities for our chapters and project leaders. Fiskars' Project Orange Thumb to Support Garden Programs http://projectorangethumb.com/pot/Deadline: February 17, 2009 Launched in 2003, Fiskars' Project Orange Thumb has awarded grants totaling more than $300,000 to over a hundred community groups, schools, churches, and other organizations for their garden programs. This year, the program will award grants to twenty organizations in the United States and Canada. Each grantee will receive up to $1,500 in Fiskars garden tools and up to $800 in gardening-related materials (i.e. green goods). Gardens and/or gardening projects geared toward community involvement, neighborhood beautification, sustainable agriculture, and/or horticultural education are eligible. Community garden groups as well as schools, youth groups, community centers, camps, clubs, and treatment facilities are all encouraged to apply. General Mills Champion for Health Kidshttp://generalmills.com/corporate/commitment/champions.aspxDeadline: January 15, 2009 The General Mills Foundation, in partnership with the American Dietetic Association Foundation and the President's Council on Physical Fitness, developed the Champions for Healthy Kids grant program in 2002. Each year since inception, the General Mills Foundation awards 50 grants of $10,000 each to community-based groups that develop creative ways to help youth adopt a balanced diet and physically active lifestyle.