Nutrition to Grow On: A Garden-Enhanced Nutrition Education Curriculum for Upper Elementary School Children is an educational program for children in 4th through 6th grade. Lessons teach children where their food comes from and how to eat more healthful foods. Each lesson links nutrition education with gardening activities. Children are encouraged to share what they learn with their parents or other caregivers at home.
Objectives
Participants in Nutrition to Grow On will learn why it’s important to eat healthy foods. They also will learn how to:
- Make healthful food choices.
- Better appreciate the taste of fruits and vegetables.
- Work in a garden and grow their own produce.
Space and time requirements
Lessons in the Nutrition to Grow On program must be held in a location near a school or community garden. The program consists of nine lessons, including 60 minutes of nutrition lesson activities in the classroom and 30 minutes of activities in the garden. Sessions can be adapted to meet the learning needs of participants, and within reason to fit the space and time needs of the partnering agency.
More information
Nutrition to Grow On was developed under the direction of the Nutrition Services Division, California Department of Education. The curriculum aims to enrich students’ capacities for observation and thinking and encourages them to develop a wide range of skills.
To find out more about this program or explore the possibilities of this program being offered at your agency, contact a member of the SNAP-Ed team.