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.
Dig into JumpstartIn 2021, a partnership between Big Green and the Wayne-Westland District blossomed. Starting small, 200 Big Green grow bags were distributed to students and families, sparking community interest in growing food. Just like the seeds planted in the soil, the partnership grew to bring the opportunity of growing food to more students. By the end of the year Big Green's Jumpstart program was deployed bringing Big Green Learning Gardens and Jumpstart grants to schools across the district.
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
Download this spring and fall guide for your garden.
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Share what you're growing in your school's Learning Garden! This guide will outline the best time to take photos and how to share them.
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