Did you know? Food grown at schools can be served in cafeterias. Serving produce from local school gardens reduces greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. Additionally, school gardens create engaging STEM education opportunities for students.
Some Michigan schools with limited space and labor capacity, partner with local farms for off-site school gardens. Schools can start with projects as small as a single tomato plant.
MI Green Schools category:
Reduce, reuse, recycle
This project impacts:
Academics and engagement
Health and wellbeing
Operations and procurement
Cost scale:
$25 - $75 - minor purchases or fundraising necessary
$100 - $500 - significant fundraising necessary
$500 - $1,000+ - grant funding or partnership necessary
Resources
For school leaders
- School Garden Information Sheet (US Department of Agriculture)
Free online course
- Starting a School or Community Garden: Essential Steps for Success (Michigan State University Extension)