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2008 Social Innovator

City Sprouts

Social Issue Track: Improving Food Security and Nuitrition for Children and Families

Sponsored by: Eos Foundation

Social Problem:

• In Massachusetts, an estimated one in four children is likely to be food insecure, and the incidence of food insecurity has increased 22 percent between 2002 and 2005


• Even for children whose families have sufficient economic resources, good nutrition is rare. Across all income groups, only 9 percent of children (ages 7-12) and 5 percent of teens (ages 13-18) have a good diet, according to the 2001-2002 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey


• Children's diets generally decline in quality as they age, and eating habits developed in adolescence persist into adulthood


• Children and teens eat one-third to one-half of their calories at school


• Schools are mandated to address nutrition, but many are struggling to develop effective policies and practices


• Research shows school gardens have a positive impact on lifelong healthy eating habits, attidtudes toward school, academic achievement, self-esteem, social skills, and appreciation for the environment

Key Accomplishments & Social Impact:

• Serves eight Camrbidge public schools, with four schools on its waiting list


• 74 percent of teachers report using their school garden for teaching


• 94 percent of youth interns tried new fruits, vegetables, or herbs; 67 percent prepared new recipes at home using garden produce


• Recognized at outstanding with the Cambridge First Day Award in 2003 and received a Certificate of Excellence in Environmental Education in 2007 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Two-Year Goals:

• Operate in 12 Cambridge public schools, building four new gardens


• Expand the youth internship program to reach all 12 participating schools


• Upgrade the two founding gardens to be state-of-the-art outdoor learning spaces


• Pilot a professional development program in garden education for public school teachers

Jane Smillie Hirschi
Executive Director