A Modern buffer program through the USDA ’s People ’s Garden initiative will help schools teach students about gardening and nourishing feeding .
Public schools and nonprofit organizations have until Nov. 8 , 2010 , to apply for grants from the USDA ’s newPeople ’s GardenSchool Pilot Program .
The $ 1 million pilot burner program was demonstrate to develop and run biotic community gardens at eligible gamey - poverty school ; teach students involve in the garden about farming product praxis , diet and nutrition ; and evaluate the erudition result . It ’s pass under the Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act . A cooperative agreement will be award to implement a programme in up to five state . To be eligible as undertaking sites , schools must have 50 percent or more bookman qualifying for loose or reduced - monetary value school meals .
“ pasture - root word residential area garden and agriculture programme have dandy hope for teaching our kids about food product and nutrition at the local level , ” say U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack . “ study where food come from and what tonic foods smack like , and the superbia of maturate and serving vegetable and fruits that grew through your own effort , are life - change experience . All of us at USDA are gallant to make this potential . ”
Part of a broad USDA cause to supply children with access to a nutritious and safe diet , this initiative also aims to influence healthier choices for all American households . Produce raised in the gardens can be used in the school ’ meal and by scholarly person households , local food banks or senior - center nutrition computer program .
Through this pilot program , the USDA Food and Nutrition Service essay to place models of successful school - garden initiatives , which then can be marketed to the educational community for stirring , idea and replication .
better USDA ’s kid nutrition programs is a top priority of the Obama administration . Congress is presently considering legislation to bolster the Child Nutrition Act , which empower the National School Lunch , School Breakfast and Summer Food Service programs . These sustenance programme do nearly 32 million children each school day .
Improving the Child Nutrition Act is the legislative centerpiece of First Lady Michelle Obama’sLet ’s Move!campaign and was highlighted in the White House report Solving the Problem of Childhood Obesity Within a Generation , released on May 11 , 2010 . By hap potent reauthorization legislation , the administration hopes to reduce hungriness , promote food admittance , and better the overall wellness and nutrition of children across the country .
Request concession applications from the USDA’sFood and Nutrition Service . You may submit applications byemailor atGrants.gov .
