Expand an existing on-site garden to provide fresh seasonal produce on demand

Abstract

Studies have shown that school gardens can increase interest in and preference for eating fruits and vegetables among students. That's important to the overall goals preventing and reducing food waste in school food service operations because fruits and vegetables comprise a large portion of food wasted. School gardens also provide opportunities for experiential learning and host of other benefits including increased respect for nature, increased science achievement scores, and improved social skills and behavior. If you are purchasing local and/or organic produce for use in your operations, you may also realize cost savings by growing some of that produce onsite.Funded by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5Ope