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What We Do SCHOOLs NEED MORE THAN JUST SOIL AND SUN TO CREATE ENRICHING, VIBRANT GARDENS. LET US JUMPSTART YOUR SCHOOL GARDEN PROGRAM

About the ProgramJumpstart

Our school-based program, Jumpstart, provides schools and other educational spaces with modular garden beds and mini-grants to kick off or reinvigorate their garden programs so that kids can grow food at school. After more than a decade of experience building and managing school gardens, Big Green knows that the best school garden programs are the ones that are supportive of the unique goals and needs of each school community, and every detail of Jumpstart is designed with that in mind. Our unique, modular garden beds can be configured in many combinations to best suit available space and the accompanying grants can be used for just about anything.

How Jumpstart Works

We know that educators would rather be teaching than writing grants! The process to apply for a Jumpstart garden or grant is quick, painless, and will bear fruit for years to come! Here’s how teachers can get growing at school with Jumpstart.

  1. APPLY QUICKLY AND EASILY

    We’re not kidding when we tell you it will take 15 minutes to apply. Seriously. It collects all the information we need to determine eligibility and distribute a grant, and nothing extra. We also provide several optional orientation webinars to answer questions and streamline the application process.

  2. GRANTS AND GARDENS DEPLOYED

    After a rapid review process, we send each successful applicant everything they need to get growing — garden beds, seeds and soil, irrigation, and storage, all in one neat little DIY package. We also distribute grants so that schools can invest in their program and get up and running as quickly as possible.

  3. MEASURE AND GROW

    What we care about most is that each garden is well-loved, growing, and thriving in its school community. We love to hear from each school how their garden is being used, how many kids, teachers, and family members use the space, and maybe even see a photo or two!

SINCE 2021, WE’VE DEPLOYED $1.7 MILLION IN GRANTS AND GARDENS TO SCHOOLS VIA JUMPSTART

Jumpstart schools across the country are growing food and changing lives!

  • 270 Schools supported
  • 700 Educators engaged
  • 81300 Students, teachers, and community members growing food at school
Download the 2023 Program Summary
Big Green’s school gardens promote food, nature, and health education, but also provide fresh food for the schools’ families, staff and the larger community. We have numerous Learning Gardens throughout our district that impact thousands of students annually. The fabric of our community continues to be actively woven together with the grandparents, parents, senior citizens, and residents who support and volunteer in the gardens. Together we are building a strong and vibrant community where students make a difference locally and globally!
— Dr. John Dignan, Superintendent, Wayne-Westland Community Schools, Michigan
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