The Program
The Edible Schoolyard, started in Berkeley, California, is a program that
provides urban public school students with an organic garden and a kitchen
workshop. Using food systems as a unifying concept, students learn how to grow,
harvest, and prepare nutritional, seasonal produce. This program is a means of
awakening senses and encouraging awareness and appreciation of the
transformative values of nourishment, community, and stewardship of the land.
The Need
We Will's Edible Schoolyard program is located on the campus of Chancellor Avenue
Elementary School in Newark, New Jersey. The cooking and gardening program grew out
of a conversation between The Lubetkins and Dr. Elnardo Webster, Director of the Newark
Public Schools Office of Extended School Days Program. We Will is going to adapt the
California model to be used initially as an after school program. Poor eating habits, fast
food, lack of nutritional education, and minimal physical activity are
leading to an epidemic of childhood obesity in America. Through the Edible
Schoolyard, children will understand the role of food in life; the kitchen and garden
will allow us to improve nutrition and highlight healthy foods. The garden
will also provide opportunities for community involvement - the kitchen and
garden provide a link with neighbors, volunteers, parents, and community
businesses. We Will hopes to host community dinners where organic food from the garden
will be prepared by students and families. These dinners will bring together
diverse community members for delicious meals, good company, and real
conversation. Who knows what great partnerships can be started during a wonderful
meal?
Planning commenced in 2004 and two years later the school front yard is ready
to be cleared and covered.
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