By

Cathie Zanella,   Bunnell Elementary School

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Topics:

Access to Healthy Foods, Student Leadership, Success with Funds,  Teamwork

One of our largest goals at Bunnell Elementary School has been to grow produce and use it in our cafeterias to supplement our school lunches. Over the years, Fuel Up to Play 60 funds have allowed us to expand and modernized our large school garden. We grow traditionally, hydroponically and aquaponically. Our harvest production has increased substantially due to this immense growth. We are proud to share that today we conducted our first harvest for the cafeteria. With the help of our principal, students gathered kale, different varieties of lettuce and some green peppers to be added to school lunches. We know this is only the beginning and are very excited to see what the future holds!!!!!

What improvements have you seen at your school?

Several years ago, students were talking and said "it's too bad we couldn't grow food for the cafeteria". At that moment the seed was planted (pardon the pun). We knew this was a goal for us. What has changed is the pride and ownership that students demonstrate while they are in the garden and when they speak about nutritional foods. The whole school has taken on a healthier attitude and it shows.