Learning Gardens Increase Test Scores By 15%

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Growing gardens in schools shows impressive results, reports a recent NPR article.

Students in Texas, Washington, Maryland and Virginia, are part of REAL School Gardens,  a non-profit that proves their efforts through REAL numbers of changes made through their efforts of planting learning gardens in schools. Many of the schools are in low-income areas, or urban areas considered “food deserts”.

 The organization reveals on their website that school who had “learning gardens” had increased test scores, and were more equipped in science and math. The Learning Gardens encourage students to have a hands on learning approach to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) all while promoting healthy foods.

Helping kids to be active in the garden is proving itself for students and less turnovers for teachers who participate, summarized Jeanne McCarty, the executive director of REAL School Gardens.

Other organizations similar to REAL School Gardens, are City Blossoms, and DUG, all helping kids learn about fruits and vegetables and encouraging healthy diets as well as business skills.

Providing salad bars in schools and helping kids get familiar with fruits and vegetables is reported to help students eat more fruits and vegetables, schools in Latino neighborhoods may have healthier diets with more access to fresh foods.

To help your local school have access to fresh salad bars, apply here.

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