In our indoor sessions in 31 classrooms of first and second graders, we explored the question, “What’s so great about gardening?” Together, we discussed the benefits of growing our own food and the importance of making healthy choices. This led to a lively conversation about “Sometime Foods” and “Anytime Foods,” helping students understand which snacks they can enjoy frequently and which are best saved for special occasions.
Outside in the school gardens, students literally got in touch with nature, harvesting fresh produce, making colorful leaf rubbings, and crafting herb wristbands. Despite the brisk temperature, they loved exploring the garden. Most students picked cherry tomatoes and tasted cucamelons—tiny, watermelon-lookalike cucumbers that grow prolifically on trellises. With enthusiasm, they pulled up root vegetables like purple, white, and orange carrots, beets, and radishes.
This hands-on garden adventure made healthy eating and nutrition come alive, combining sensory experiences with practical lessons. The students left feeling excited about both gardening and their new favorite healthy snacks.
This project was funded in whole or in part by the USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Fitness Foundation. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.