School gardens idea: Top 10 reasons to vote!

[Guest guest]

Dear everyone,

Exciting news!!!

The idea " Good Food For All Kids: A Garden at Every School " has a great

chance to actually win the 2010 " Ideas for Change in America " contest!

*If you still have not voted, please cast your vote before it's too late at:

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/good_food_for_all_kids_a_garden_at_every_school\

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With just 2 days left to vote in the contest, this idea currently holds a

winning position in the top 10, with over THREE THOUSAND votes!

But it's still a very close race, and we need every single vote we can get

before the contest ends Friday, March 12th at 5 pm!!!

*VOTE NOW -

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/good_food_for_all_kids_a_garden_at_every_school\

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PLEASE ALSO VOTE FOR A WONDERFUL IDEA FOR SUSTAINABLE FOOD INVESTING WITH

" SLOW MONEY " :**

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/slow_our_money_down_and_invest_as_if_food_farms\

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Why is this so important?

Learn more about Slow Money's terrific work here:

http://www.slowmoneyalliance.org/

** **And here's 10 excellent reasons for school gardens, courtesy of Better

School Food:*

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Top Ten Reasons Why School Gardens are an Excellent Idea* (

http://www.betterschoolfood.org/ )

1. Magic happens when a child harvests a vegetable he or she has planted and

nurtured. The child will want to eat it! It will increase interest and

improve attitudes towards eating fruits and vegetables.

2. Students will learn where food really comes from - a carrot grows in the

ground, a green bean on a vine and Brussels sprouts on a stalk!

3. School gardens foster an increased awareness of environmental issues.

They will learn to respect and care for the soil, where our food comes from.

4. They will get to share their bounty with their classmates. Eating with

their peers is one of the most important motivators for children to try new

foods.

5. It gives children an opportunity to be outside and away from computer

screens and, at the same time, significantly increase science achievement

scores.

6. They improve self esteem, behavior, social skills and interpersonal

relationships as well as help develop life skills including working with

groups.

7. Research by Columbia Teachers College shows that hands-on gardening and

cooking programs are the two things that are actually effective in behavior

change; they get kids to eat more vegetables.

8. The gardens are beautiful spaces that connect students to their school

and help them develop a sense of pride and ownership, which in turn improves

attitudes towards school and discourages vandalism.

9. They provide opportunities for community involvement including neighbors,

volunteers, parents, and local businesses.

10. School gardens promote good nutrition and exercise. The health of our

kids and the health of our planet are fundamentally connected.

Thanks so much for your vote and your enthusiasm for this cause!

Congratulations for participating in food democracy!

Sincerely,

Ethan Genauer