Growing My Plate

Welcome to Growing My Plate, an innovative garden-based nutrition education course aimed at equipping students with fundamental culinary skills to create delectable dishes using freshly harvested produce.

Throughout the program's six units, students engage in the exhilarating process of harvesting and preparing simple yet nourishing recipes that showcase garden-grown ingredients. Research indicates that when children receive hands-on gardening education alongside comprehensive nutrition education, they are more inclined to develop a preference for fresh fruits and vegetables, fostering a greater willingness to explore new and wholesome foods.

The development of the Growing My Plate curriculum is the result of a fruitful collaboration between Apple Seeds, The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, and the renowned Arkansas Children's Research Institute, ensuring a robust and intentional approach to empowering students through the captivating realm of garden-based nutrition education.

What are educators saying about Growing My Plate?

“Students’ overall attitudes changed because at the beginning of the lessons they assumed they knew most of the information we were going to cover, but they seemed shocked that there was a lot of content they did not know. I feel like having a lab at the end of each lesson has kept the students drawn in and excited to learn the content.”

— MS. SWIFT, KIRKSEY MIDDLE SCHOOL

INTERESTED IN OFFERING GROWING MY PLATE AT YOUR SCHOOL?

We offer training and support for interested teachers to lead this program at schools across the state.

Curriculum and resources provided:

• Six (6) nutrition lessons which include videos, worksheets, garden connections, lesson extensions, student books, and sample class outlines

• Dozens of nutritious, student approved recipes to cook in the classroom

• One (1) cookbook per student to take home

• An instructor guide with tips on leading each lesson

• Tips on how to start a garden in your classroom

• Ongoing technical support from the Apple Seeds team

• Stipends are available for schools that qualify

What does being a Growing My Plate facilitator entail?

• Participate in training led by Apple Seeds

• Meet with Apple Seeds regarding your plan for leading Growing My Plate

• Lead 6 sessions (1 ½-2 hours) which include:

  • Nutrition lesson

  • Hands on cooking of garden based recipe

  • A garden connection

• Send food home with students to recreate a recipe at least 2 times

• Share students completed pre- and post-program surveys with Apple Seeds

Learn More

Fill out the form below to get more information about how to participate in this program.