Oconto County Times Herald: Members of the Gillett School Board broke from their monthly meeting Thursday night to visit the garden behind the elementary school. Seeds 2 Service created the garden, where students learn about growing and harvesting their own food, plus how to cook the food and plan healthy meals.
The program got its start in 2013, buoyed by $70,000 in grant funding. In the first years of the program, students made raised beds from kits, hauled dirt and mulch, and planted the seeds.
“They worked really hard on it. I think they’re pretty proud of it,” said coordinator Sara Peterson.
About 50 students were enrolled in the program, which met after school during the school year. This prevents some students from going home to an empty house, Peterson said.
During the summer, five or six summer school classes are offered, enrolling about 20 students per class.
“We talk about healthy eating, whole grains, and we try different foods with the kids,” Peterson said.