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INVESTIGATOR: Franklin, T. R.

PERFORMING INSTITUTION:
SOUTHERN UNIV
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA 70813

ERADICATING FOOD DESERTS IN NEIGHBORHOODS THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF SCHOOL GARDENS

NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: The Eradicating Food Deserts in Neighborhoods through the Development of School Gardens project seeks to successfullyeducate local community people and students on the importance of growing their own produce. The project will utilize a holistic,hands-on approach to gardening in conjunction with the self-produced SUALGCCommunity GardeningCurriculum.The objectives of the project will be accomplished through classroom instruction of the 14-lessonSUALGCcurriculum,4-H Youth development,character education,and hands-on demonstrations. Through this unique program,Extension Agents and Associates will certify students, ages 13-17 as Youth Master Gardeners, as there is no existingcurriculum which certifies youth with mastery level gardening skills. Within the Ag Center's service area, chronic diseasesare a major concern among youth and their families. The implementation of this grant desires to change the mindset of families hoping individuals realize the cost efficiency associated with growing their own fresh produce. The overarching objective is to utilize inexpensive gardening techniques that youth can take home and share with their family and others in their community. Additionally, there are entrepreneurship opportunities for youth to learn how to market and sell their goods, which is an opportunity to introduce sustainable income.

OBJECTIVES: The overall goal of this project is to eradicate food deserts in neighborhoods through the development of school gardens by educating local community people and students on the importance of growing their own produce, which will utilize a hands-on approach to gardening.Specific Objectives are:1. To increase nutritional awareness.2. To increase leadership development skills, self-esteem and environmental stewardship among school age children.3. To teach sustainable gardening techniques thatare transferable or easily replicated.