As produce is harvested from the school gardens, children have a chance to eat it as part of a lesson or bring it home to share with their families. In the spring, lettuce is harvested in large amounts to serve in the cafeteria. Sometimes schools choose to sell it at a school-based “farmer’s market” or donate the produce to a local food bank.
During summer months, summer garden stewards (mostly parent volunteers) care for the gardens in addition to weekly check-ups by our Garden Coordinators. Any food that is not taken home to their families is harvested by our staff and donated to local food banks.
In past years, we’ve donated thousands of pounds of produce to our food bank partners including:
- Community Food Share
- Boulder Food Rescue
- Boulder Day Nursery
- Family Learning Center
- Harvest of Hope
- Children’s Alley
- CU Children’s Center
- Buff Pantry
- Longmont Food Rescue