DOVER, Del. –Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids (HFHK) and the Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) joined school officials and students on April 29 to celebrate the opening of a new HFHK school garden program at South Dover Elementary School. The program helps students in grades K-4 discover how to grow and eat their own vegetables through science-based learning over the course of their years at the school.
The garden was funded by a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant administered through DDA. Delaware Secretary of Agriculture, Michael T. Scuse gave remarks at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
“With a strong track record, the Delaware Department of Agriculture was pleased to support Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids with a USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant to assist them in reaching more schools and students in Kent and Sussex Counties,” said Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “We know that when youth are actively engaged in hands-on gardening, not only do they gain skills in science and math, but they learn life skills like communication, organization, teamwork, and empathy. But even more important, is students increase their consumption of healthy fruits and vegetables, improving their overall health, because they take pride and ownership in what they grow. Because of this experience, students who have participated in Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids are more likely to encourage their family to try fresh foods, start a garden at home, or participate in a community garden in their neighborhood.”
HFHK provides teachers with highly interactive lessons that are easy to deliver and taught both in the classroom and garden. These lessons incorporate actual gardening tasks into lessons that support national and Delaware content standards. South Dover Elementary is the first school in Kent County to use HFHK’s program.
“We are thrilled to have South Dover be part of the HFHK garden program. By engaging young students in joyful, educational gardening experiences, we are sowing the seeds for a healthier future for today’s youth,” said Lydia Sarson, HFHK Executive Director. “Students who participate in the HFHK school garden over several growing seasons advance their understanding of gardening science and their love of vegetables.”
On March 13, staff and volunteers from South Dover and HFHK built twelve 4×8 raised beds behind the school where students planted their garden. Students planted spinach, lettuce, arugula, carrots, peas and radishes. After each harvest, Nutrition Services will prepare a salad to be served to all the students at lunch.
“I chose to work with HFHK because I want our students to engage in activities that teach them about fresh produce and the natural growth of seeds to harvest,” said Lenita McIntyre, South Dover Elementary Assistant Principal. “It is also my hope that students learn the importance of garden education to motivate them to eat healthier.”
About Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids (HFHK)
HFHK is a non-profit organization committed to improving children’s health by offering garden-based education to K-12 schools throughout Delaware. As “The First State school garden experts”, their mission is to inspire healthier lives by providing youth with joyful school gardening experiences and opportunities to eat the garden-fresh vegetables they’ve grown. Serving more than 30 schools, HFHK’s science-based programs run during the academic year, and allow every student to participate in hands-on learning activities. Students discover that vegetables can be delicious when they eat the “fruits of their labors.” Find us at www.healthyfoodsforhealthykids.org. Connect with Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids on Social Media Facebook & LinkedIn: @HealthyFoodsforHealthyKids and Twitter: @HealthyFoodsDE.
About South Dover Elementary School
South Dover Elementary School offers an exciting learning environment for students in grades K-4 educating nearly 600 students. South Dover Elementary School is a state-of-the-art facility with a highly skilled, committed, and caring staff. Our learning environment focuses on standards-based, rigorous instruction that incorporates thinking skills, hands-on learning, enrichment opportunities such as (ACT) Accelerated Curriculum and Technology program, and intervention support as needed. Technology is embedded into all that we do as well as a commitment to foster positive behavioral skills and provide educational experiences that will help our students to become confident, successful learners. Connect with South Dover on Social Media Facebook @CSDSouthDover
–Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids