Based on the seed-to-table learning model initiated by Alice Waters in Berkeley, CA, The Edible Schoolyard integrates garden activities into the regular classroom curriculum to improve young students’ eating habits, invest students in their school communities, and enhance students’ academic performance. Now in its third year in the Pittsburgh Public Schools (PPS), The Edible Schoolyard is the fruit of collaboration between PPS personnel, teachers, parents, community members, and the non-profit organization Grow Pittsburgh. 

 
In the fall of 2006, two Pittsburgh elementary schools piloted the project: Dilworth Traditional Academy in Highland Park and Faison Arts Academy in Homewood. Through a series of design Charettes and work days, both school communities participated in the planning and construction of permanent gardens. In the spring, students then started seeds in the classroom, prepared beds, and planted seeds in the garden. Returning to school in the fall, they harvested produce and sampled vegetables directly from the garden. The growing season culminated in a school-wide cooking demonstration in which two local chefs prepared fresh vegetables for the students, completing the link between seed and table.

Today, the program follows the same general outline. We have expanded to two more schools, bringing the total to four. In addition, Grow Pittsburgh has been working with the Pittsburgh Public Schools Food Service Director to create the Pennsylvania Peak Harvest program. The program identifies local, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and selects one each month to feature in school lunches.

Our hope is that after adding the broccoli he weeded to a salad at school, a student will go home and ask for a salad with broccoli. After tasting the potatoes she harvested and gave to the chef in the garden, a student will go home and try her hand in the kitchen. Our hope is to transform the eating habits of families by building curiosity toward and familiarity with fresh fruits and vegetables in the youngest members of those families.

FAQ

How does the program operate during the summer months? Before the end of school Grow Pittsburgh hosts a short training program for families and neighbors interested in tending the garden. Over the summer, one family per week weeds and waters the garden (and takes home any extra produce), thus building bridges between school garden and community.

What happens to the produce during the school year? The produce that can be eaten fresh is harvested and brought to the classrooms once or twice a week. As for the other produce, some is cooked during the Chef in the Garden event. Some is given to the Culinary Arts class at the neighborhood High School. Any extra is donated to the local Food Bank.

Does the program operate during the winter months? The gardens sleep from Thanksgiving to Valentine's Day. At select schools, Grow Pittsburgh continues to be active in the classroom, teaching classes on seasonal changes, origins of produce, traditional meals, and nutrition.

How is the neighborhood around the school involved in the garden? Neighbors are invited to attend our spring class on starting and tending a garden. They have the opportunity to care for the garden over the summer, and, at some schools, part of the school garden is designated as a community garden.