Schools need gardens; mental and physical health could improve

by Erin J.

According to the CDC.gov, 14.7 million children and adolescents suffer from obesity. Having access to fresh vegetables and exercises could see in a reduction in this large number, but how can this be accomplished at school? One way might be building gardens on school campuses. Both fresh vegetables and exercise can be provided by school gardens. Moreover, school gardens have a history of providing hands-on skills and promoting healthier eating habits. Therefore, they should be established more commonly within schools for these and other reasons.

To begin, school gardens have the potential to promote healthy habits. Healthy habits are important for people, especially people that are children or in their adolescence. In the school cafeteria, the main choices are usually pizza, a burger, nachos, or some other predictable main course. Sure, the kids might be alright with it; but is it really a good choice for them? According to an article from LATimes.com, school lunches contribute to 26% of students body fat. However, as stated by foodTank.com, school garden programs can “boost the quality of cafeteria food.” That’s a win-win situation for the kids in school.

Additionally, new learning may occur due to the garden. Children seeing the process of growing fresh food and the reward that comes with it is equally important in the learning experience of maintaining a garden. When children see the process of something, and they actively engage in it, they’re more likely to understand and enjoy it. According to KidsGardening.org, “Gardening provides educators with opportunities to enhance student education through reality based learning.” Some examples of skills students learn with gardening is new vocabulary, counting and probability so- in other words math skills and probably even the scientific method. Gardening is a win for the teachers as well. Gardening gives hands-on experiences and shows a glimpse of how the real world works. For example, Children learn facts about plant life cycles and the nutritional qualities of these plants by continuously taking care of them.

Furthermore, children can develop a connection with nature which in turn can advance their self esteem and coping mechanisms. Adolescents, and sometimes children suffer from stress and self-esteem problems inside and out of school. According to ArlingtonUrban.org gardens “teach children self regulation and mindfulness- both of which have been shown to decrease anxiety and depression.” Gardens will have a positive impact on a child’s or adolescents mentality. Gardening can be relaxing to almost everyone, so why not put them in schools?

Despite the many pros school gardens bring, some people may say gardens, especially in schools, are useless. Too much extra work? Thieves could come in and take the contents of the garden, resulting in the school having to start the whole process over again or they may even have to shut it down. Gardens may be useless in some ways, but the benefits outweigh the cons. Sometimes extra work is needed in order for something great to begin. Plus, a lock or protective barrier could be installed to prevent thieves. Cameras could also be helpful in that type of situation.

So far, this article has been about my opinion and mine alone, but do not get it twisted, I do not live in an echo chamber. Let’s here some opinions from AHS attendees. Alyssa A., a fellow Airport Highschool sophomore told me, “School’s like pretty stressful so you could sit in the garden and relax if you’re into that.” Even teachers agree that a garden could be a good idea. “It gives students something else to do,” math teacher and assistant administrator Mr. Bundrick noted.

So far, According to an AHS student and faculty member, a garden does not sound like a bad idea.

School gardens should be mainstream in more public schools. It is clear that gardens advocate healthy eating habits. The task of taking care of a garden and receiving the rewards that come with it will make kids more appreciative and- may even leave them a little more fit! A connection with nature can be beneficial to children and adolescents mentality in the long run.

Do you want that number of 14.7 million child obesity rate to stay the same, and get higher? No you don’t. Ask your school to start a garden. You never know how many benefits could come along if you do. Think about all the good things that could come from it.