If you live in America, or went to a public school anywhere in America at any point, you've probably experienced the sub-par, unhealthy food choices given in public school cafeterias at some point. Aside from the occasional optional apple or celery stick that me be offered, there is little healthy, organic food readily available to students. Of course over the past few years this has begun to change, but there are still thousands of schools who don't offer any healthy food.
I was passing my old high school in Georgia last week, the day after this Mission became available. I was wracking my brain as to how I could possibly help with food problems. I noticed and remembered the old, worn out and half-destroyed greenhouse on the side of the school. In my entire time at the school I'd never seen anyone go in there, or hear anything about its past or future use. It was then I had what could only be an epiphany.
That day I went back to the school (something I told myself I'd never do once I left there. Haha...) I talked to the principal and staff about possible utilizing the space to grow a garden, and perhaps even get the student body involved in operating and maintaining it. I learned that they were on the brink of canceling their school lunch program because it was simply too expensive. The area I live in doesn't have a huge problem with food security. And while this garden would certainly not be able to feed the entire school, it could definitely provide a healthy alternative to the processed chicken patties and square, plastic pizzas. It is the only way I could think to make a difference with food in a practical way, in my own community.
It will take a while to implement it, probably won't start until the next school year, which starts in August, but I think it was a good step. The space is there, the people are willing, so it has a good chance of working already. I also think it would be great to get the student body involved and learning.
I'll keep posting about any new developments on this situation, if anyone is interested.
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