More than 120 children plant their seeds in the garden each year, along with other indoor projects beginning in March each year. I have been running the program for 11 years but I believe it started a few years before.
While it's difficult to put an exact number on how many children are impacted, one thing is certain: no child goes through Rutland Elementary School without experiencing the school garden. I want children to connect with our environment in a healthy way.
When children handle the soil it initiates an exchange of microorganisms that can alter the skin's microbiome and potentially boost immune system function.
I have been proudly volunteering in our community with children, teens and special needs for over 3 decades in many different capacities, I love the opportunity to teach healthy habits and.... EVERY child that comes to the garden eats someone fresh and healthy. Every year I get about 100 kids to eat fresh spinach they pick themselves.. in addition to all the other veggies. I have a greenhouse at home which gives me space and light to grow all the plants from seed that the children will later plant.
