edible schoolyard
if you have not visited a public school for many years, i think you would be surprised to find that in many places they are improving. when i was a kid, it was a dare to eat anything that came out of the cafeteria, let alone the playground, but all that is changing. it seems to be a focus of education these days to end the childhood obesity epidemic, and that’s only appropriate considering how many children in this country get the majority of their meals from the public schools (no finger pointing intended, well, maybe a little bit…) alice waters a restaurateur in california, and the author of several cookbooks (including one for children) has begun a program called “edible schoolyard“, encouraging schools to grow edible produce on their grounds where students can help cultivate their own food and learn more about agriculture while partaking in healthy eating. similar programs are springing up in other areas of the country as well. when i was teaching at the ohio state university, we did quite a bit of work with adventure central, an after school venue dedicated to helping inner city kids get back in to nature (including a very nice veg garden which they eat from and help sell at a local farmer’s market). i have also recently become aware of the white house garden started by the first lady, the first of its kind since the victory garden of WWII. michelle obama thus far has used the garden to educate and feed children in need in the greater DC area. what is going on in your neck of the woods? is there a program to encourage healthy eating habits for kids, or do you need to get one started?
