Gardens in Schools and Communities

Gardening is among the many physical activities that a new set of federal exercise guidelines is promoting for Americans. Children need an hour or more of physical activity each day, and adults should be logging at least two and a half hours of moderate aerobic exercise each week, according to new federal physical activity guidelines. There are various health needs and conditions prevalent in schools and communities that can be addressed creatively and effectively through development of a garden based program.

School/community gardens are now well researched and documented as providing numerous benefits including the following:

Community building and development

community hubs for local people to meet and develop friendships
sites for community engagement and intergenerational exchange
activities that foster self-help; building on local (school or neighborhood) assets
socialization and social change -- developing links between individuals and groups

Environmental sustainability

demonstration sites for living and consuming in a sustainable manner
local solutions to climate change (eating locally reduces energy waste)
waste management solutions (e.g. composting)
sustainable technologies (solar power)
contributing to food security through local, community food systems; greening urban environments

Health and wellbeing

physical fitness and recreational opportunities
nutritional health; psychosocial benefits
community / school / garden kitchens

Access and inclusion

supportive environments that promote social inclusion
frail aged, people with disabilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Education and training

'outdoor classrooms' for informal learning and formal accredited training courses;
venues for lifelong learning and school-based learning

Enterprise

local economic development; incubating social enterprises (nursery, markets, cafe, training programs)
engaging opportunities for volunteers; employment preparation

Arts and culture

community art and events, preserving cultural and historical practices of current residents as well as new citizens (immigrants)