Vision

Our vision as a class of 12 students ranging from ages 13-19, 8 Educational Assistants and myself as the teacher, was to teach the kids how to grow their own fruit, vegetables, and herbs for their cooking class. I teach amazing students with Autism and Developmental Disabilities. It is so important for them to become as independent as possible as well as contribute in a positive way to their community.

Action

Once we were approved for the grant, we went to work with our students, devising a list of all the supplies we needed etc. Gaining knowledge on where to buy gardening supplies, how to effectively use these supplies, how to prepare the soil in order to plant our fruits, vegetables and herbs and how to harvest and prepare these allows my students to gain independence in the kitchen. It also teaches them how to “live off the land” and take care of a garden of their own one day. They have learned how to plant fruit and vegetable plants and all the herbs, as well as how to fertilize the soil and water the plants. They have also been actively involved in cutting several of the herbs so far to use in their cooking class.

Reflection & Celebration

My students have been beyond excited about growing their own food to use in their cooking classes. They also want to share their food with other kids and teachers in the school as well as the community! They have inspired all of us to become better citizens. Even a small thing, such as growing a garden, can give people hope for food security. I am so proud of all of them!

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