School gardens can bring learning benefits and also about children's nutrition.
Since children spend much of their time in the school environment, schools have the opportunity to play an important role in adopting healthy lifestyle habits. There are many ways teachers can present nutrition education, but gardening offers a fun and interactive way to teach and learn these habits.
Nutrition Benefits of Using Gardens for Teaching
School gardens provide a place for hands-on learning and for practicing the use of the scientific method.
Children get excited about eating fruits and vegetables that they grew themselves.
Students will gain a greater appreciation for the way their food is grown, carrots do not magically appear in grocery stores.
School gardens can be used to teach food security until proper harvesting, processing and storage.
Children may have the opportunity to practice preparing nutritious foods and try new foods to improve their diets.
Gardening is a skill that children can use for the rest of their lives that promotes better health and well-being.
Nutrition education through school gardens increases children's knowledge about fruits and vegetables, which can improve their attitude towards these foods and lead to better eating habits.
School gardens can teach children how to get fruits and vegetables and give them a greater appreciation for food processes by observing growth, maintaining plants, and participating in harvesting.
Authors: Val
