In the final installment of this three-part series, we highlight how the Columbus City Schools (CCS) student Green Team developed a group of ambassadors who shared their community garden with fellow students and various clubs. Although the focus is on gardening, the initiative also serves as a platform to promote social and emotional well-being.
The transformative power of gardening for kids
Our mission at GroMoreGood takes shape in many ways. One particularly inspiring example comes from Columbus City Schools in Ohio, where a simple idea grew into something far more impactful. The evolution of this program perfectly reflects the spirit of GroMoreGood, fostering a new generation’s lasting bond with nature.
The spark
Early in her teaching career, Katie Young gave her students a writing prompt that asked, “Do you know where food comes from?” None of the students recognized that food originates from the earth. This realization motivated Katie to bring about change.
In 2018, Columbus City Schools launched their Farm to School program through a collaboration with ScottsMiracle-Gro, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, and The Ohio State University Extension. Educators were provided with resources and Miracle-Gro products to help students learn how to plant, nurture, and harvest gardens filled with fresh vegetables.
Planting the seeds
The program quickly gained traction as teachers and students alike embraced it. More schools and educators joined, and the positive impact grew beyond initial expectations.
Unexpected rewards
Students reported mental health benefits from working closely with soil and plants on a regular basis. High schoolers described gardening as therapeutic, bringing them calm and peace.
Another group of students took the initiative to engage the wider community with the gardens, extending the program’s reach beyond the classroom walls.
Meanwhile, elementary students discovered the joy of fresh vegetables, enjoying them both alone and as ingredients in smoothies or on pizzas.
Click here to know more about ScottsMiracle-Gro.
Click here to watch the video.
The transformative power of gardening for kids
Our mission at GroMoreGood takes shape in many ways. One particularly inspiring example comes from Columbus City Schools in Ohio, where a simple idea grew into something far more impactful. The evolution of this program perfectly reflects the spirit of GroMoreGood, fostering a new generation’s lasting bond with nature.
The spark
Early in her teaching career, Katie Young gave her students a writing prompt that asked, “Do you know where food comes from?” None of the students recognized that food originates from the earth. This realization motivated Katie to bring about change.
In 2018, Columbus City Schools launched their Farm to School program through a collaboration with ScottsMiracle-Gro, The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, and The Ohio State University Extension. Educators were provided with resources and Miracle-Gro products to help students learn how to plant, nurture, and harvest gardens filled with fresh vegetables.
Planting the seeds
The program quickly gained traction as teachers and students alike embraced it. More schools and educators joined, and the positive impact grew beyond initial expectations.
Unexpected rewards
Students reported mental health benefits from working closely with soil and plants on a regular basis. High schoolers described gardening as therapeutic, bringing them calm and peace.
Another group of students took the initiative to engage the wider community with the gardens, extending the program’s reach beyond the classroom walls.
Meanwhile, elementary students discovered the joy of fresh vegetables, enjoying them both alone and as ingredients in smoothies or on pizzas.
Click here to know more about ScottsMiracle-Gro.
Click here to watch the video.