Ah, Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Turkey and stuffing, mounds of potatoes and veggies, and enough desserts to tip the planet will be consumed on our national "feast" day that gives thanks for our great nation, families and friends, while we celebrate our early and humble beginnings.
But for many American children, fresh fruit and veggies are something only found on a produce aisle in a chain grocery store, and too often passed by for a highly processed sugary snack or beverage.
Enter the The Edible Schoolyard (ESY), a program of the non-profit Chez Panisse Foundation, and founded by chef and author, Alice Waters. It's a one-acre garden and kitchen "classroom "at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School, in Berkeley, CA.
ESY allows kids to grow and taste the bounty of the earth as they LEARN through a bold, hands-on curriculum, the amazing world of nature, first-hand. And the "fruit" of their labors - delicious fruit, veggies and herbs - lays down a strong foundation for a life-long love of healthy eating, and appreciation for where food comes from.
Let's hope more schools get involved in programs that spark a renewed interest in edible gardening with kids.
Check out this nifty video that shows the effort that even celebs like Adrian Grenier are getting behind! Enjoy.
~Lynne GMG
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