USDA is establishing a $1 million People's Garden School Pilot Program. The program aims to develop and run community gardens at eligible high-poverty schools; teach students involved in the gardens about agriculture production practices, diet, and nutrition; and evaluate the learning outcomes. A cooperative agreement will be awarded to implement a program in up to five states. To be eligible as project sites, schools must have 50% or more students qualifying for free or reduced-price school meals.
Through the pilot program, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service seeks to identify models of successful school garden initiatives which then can be marketed to the K-12 classes for inspiration, ideas and replication.

Pictured: Developing community gardens is one of the goals of the USDA People’s Garden School Pilot Program.