School Lunches

How many time have you, the reader, stood in the school lunch line, waiting to get your lunch, and came out with nothing but garbage? Well, I think I know the solution to this problem, as well as others: school gardens! In my personal opinion, school gardens are pretty much essential for not only the education of the students and even teachers, but also, the general welfare of the whole school. They can improve school lunches; can have positive effects on students and teachers; and will give kids like me, a chance to build our skill and respect for the land, in gardening to pass as a legacy, for the future. School lunches are a big problem. They are unhealthy, and usually disgusting. We can improve the taste and health of our school food, and even drinks, by having a school garden on campus. The garden will provide fresh greens, fruit, vegetables, and starches. It might even give us healthier desserts. Think of that: delicious, and healthy sweets! In general, the garden will improve school foods, drinks, and desserts. “With children’s nutrition under assault by fast food and junk food industries, and with only about one-fourth of Florida adults eating recommended quantities of fruits and vegetables, it is no wonder that nearly one-third of Florida’s 10-17 year olds are reported to be overweight or at risk
for being overweight. School gardening offers children opportunities for outdoor exercise while teaching them a useful skill.” --Tampa Bay School Garden Network. “Because of the engaging nature of garden learning, students with attention deficit and other disorders often find it more suitable for their learning styles.
Teachers report fewer discipline problems when science is taught in this sort of experiential manner, for example.” The garden time of the day, or week, or even month, that the school would decide upon, will give students and teachers an opportunity to get fresh air outside of break and lunch. There have been studies on the effect of fresh air on human brains. When students are exposed to fresh, clean air, it will help their brain involvement. Student engagement is essential to their success in
school. If kids my age are given the right experience in the garden, they will hand down what they have learned from that experience to future generations. Outdoor experiences are good for kids, it gives them a chance to get their wiggles out, in a safe environment, and will give us contact with nature. Nature is a big part of a kid´s life. School gardens will also give students a reason to build more respect, and value for farmers, their farmland, and insects. Gardens on campus can teach students to plant fruits and vegetables, as well as starches, roots, and berries. Students could walk away from class, knowing that each time they take a class in the garden, they have learned an important life skill. It will improve their attention towards a subject, determination, and will to learn. Furthermore, public school gardens are not only essential for a great school’s success, but have many positive outcomes on the students and staff. For example: gardens will give the children at school fresher, healthier lunches, using fruits, vegetables, and berries; it will improve the student’s excitement and performance while being educated; as well as letting them walk out of class knowing they learned something that could change the way they live, such as the life skill of gardening, a new respect for the land, and an understanding of where our crops come from. As a student of Scotts Valley Middle School, I speak from personal experience, of the need for a school garden. Kids like me benefit greatly from outdoor experience, and need a space where they can practice their skills. Education is the building blocks of a good career, and gardens ( even if you’re a stay at home kind of person ) will help you get the school education you need.