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Learning Gardens

Learning Gardens

The Portland Schools Foundation began working with Portland State University's Learning Gardens and JEANS Farm in 2005.  This work is expanding to create connections between the growing of food, school and teacher curriculum, healthier meals in our cafeterias, and student wellness.

Project Goals include:

  • Improve childhood health and lay the groundwork for lifelong health;
  • Create the ability for every school that wants a garden to have one;
  • Create the ability for every classroom and teacher to visit a destination farm;
  • Link gardens/farms to the teaching curriculum to help meet and exceed Oregon academic benchmarks;
  • Train teachers, parents, and school principals to be part of this project to be part of this project;
  • Increase use of food from Oregon Farms to feed Oregon school children;
  • Communicate to parents and the community about these changes.

    Partners include the City of Portland, Ecotrust, Portland Community Gardens, Portland Public Schools, Portland State University, Tryon Creek Community Farm, Zenger Farm, and many others.

    For more information on Learning Gardens please contact Tripp Somerville at tripp@thinkschools.org or 503.234.5404, ext. 21.