Gardening provides students with hands-on experimental learning opportunities which can be related back to numerous classroom curriculums including: nature, social studies, math, language arts, science, and nutrition. Many believe that when children experience ownership with school gardens, the foundation for connecting with nature exists; therefore inspiring a deepened appreciation for the environment. While school gardens may offer insight into long-term human impact on the natural environment, they also create a positive perspective on healthy eating. That being one of the many reasons why the School Food Service (SFS) Department has embarked on developing school gardening resources.

During the 2011-2012 school year, the SFS Department applied for and received the America the Beautiful Fund. Through this grant the SFS Department was successful in distributing a variety of seeds such as parsley, basil, oregano, summer savory, tomato, carrots, cabbage, squash, lettuce, collards, and cucumbers to the following schools:

In addition to providing resources for schools, for the second year the SFS Department was able to support a local community organization, St. Georges Center, with donations of approximately 132 pounds of food. St. Georges Center is located in Riviera Beach and is a large community center that typically feeds hundreds of people lunch and dinner daily. This year the SFS Department utilized the Donation Acknowledgement Form to better account for the donated fresh produce.