School Garden Program

About the Program

Category: Children and Youth (Best in Category)

Year: 2014

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (Public Works) implemented the School Garden Program (Program) in 2011 to teach children about sustainability, conserving natural resources, and the importance of healthy living. The Program has successfully developed gardens at over 60 schools and continues to grow. The Program builds school gardens by donating labor and materials, including: raised garden beds, organic potting soil, vegetables, flowers, and garden tools. School gardens create an outdoor classroom that promotes environmental awareness, provides children with an opportunity to better understand their relationship with nature, and demonstrates the value of conserving our natural resources. The School Garden Program is creating the next generation of environmental stewards, while diverting organic waste from landfills.