Four new schools complete their first growing season

Lewis Dual Language Elementary School in New Castle County, Lord Baltimore Elementary, Milton Elementary, and the Indian River School District's Early Learning Center (ELC) in Sussex County, all finished their first growing season in the Fall 2022.

Using community garden space for first time with community partners

In early 2021, Lewis first expressed interest in Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids' "Education Cultivation" program. Upon our initial site visit, HFHK staff realized that there was not a good location on the school grounds for a garden. After months of searching, West Side Grows and Green for the Greater Good offered us garden space at the Rodney Reservoir Community Garden. Everyone agreed it was a fantastic solution.

This was the first time HFHK used community garden space for a school garden, and we were up for the challenge!

Green for the Greater Good installed a brand new, dedicated water line for our beds and we set up a schedule for the students to work in the garden. Their first growing season was a success and both students and staff were excited to have their own school garden. Parents, teachers, and students all joined in on the fun of building Milton Elementary's brand new garden. In early October, we got right to work growing their first crops.

While we faced a few issues with unwanted visitors snacking at the garden and cold weather slowing down the growth, our 4th and 5th graders made the most of the garden by working together to practice harvesting, clearing the garden, and covering it for the winter.

Expansion continues in south Delaware

We continue our efforts in the southern half of the state as we grew our partnership with the Indian River School District. After building Lord Baltimore's garden in late September, we wasted no time getting seeds in the ground. Students took to their tasks with enthusiasm, being sure to bring their best attitudes even on the coldest of days! With the garden next to their playground, students could watch the veggies they planted grow.

First foray into early learning program

On a hot day in August, a small crew of HFHK staff and ELC's principal and chief custodian built new garden beds. Soil and planting lessons began in October as excited students worked in their new school garden, In late November, our young gardeners enjoyed their diverse salads filled with a delicious mix of arugula, kale, lettuce, and tatsoi.

This also marks HFHK's first foray into an early learning program. HFHK staff have worked closely with staff at ELC to rewrite our "Education Cultivation" curriculum for the youngest learners. The new songs and activities were a big hit with the students and we discovered 3 year-olds really like to dig!

Community partners step up their support of HFHK’s school garden program

The Longwood Foundation funded the Milton, Lord Baltimore, and ELC's gardens. Million Dollar Round Table provided funds for the Lewis Dual Language Elementary School garden. Thank you for supporting the mission of HFHK.