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20 School Food Service 2023-2024 Annual ReportMainMENUSchool Garden InitiativeEnhance WellnessThroughout the DistrictSchool gardens continued to thrive in FY24, with 124 schools reporting a school garden initiative on their campus. School gardens not only support access to healthy food and nutrition education but also provide enriching educational experiences beyond the traditional classroom. In an effort to strengthen the school garden initiative, a collaborative partnership between SFS and the Secondary Education Department was developed to review existing garden curriculum and align it with District standards. To achieve this effectively, a call to action was sent out to teachers to determine their interest in this ground breaking opportunity to transform learning. Forty teachers representing 30 different schools responded, agreeing to participate in the Teacher Cadre. Three teachers were assigned as Cadre Leaders to work with other teachers at their school level to review and align lessons.The initiative aims to create project-based learning opportunities, nurturing young minds, and empowering students to become innovative citizens. By merging science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education with the natural environment, the program works to foster a deep connection with nature and sustainable living practices. FY24 was dedicated to completing the alignment of STEM education lessons, enabling teachers with school gardens to take full advantage of this opportunity.FY24 also saw the introduction of Food Forests in our schools. A District partner, Neighborhood Farms USA, worked with SFS and Rolling Green ES to develop the first Food Forest in the District. The partnership with Neighborhood Farms USA is invaluable and will further our strategic goals to eventually allow for selfsustaining ecosystems on school campuses and paving the way for potential future Farmers Markets.Rolling Green ES