Garden-Enhanced Nutrition Education GENE Workshop A training developed

Garden-Enhanced Nutrition Education (GENE) Workshop A training developed as part of the California School Garden Training Program www. lifelab. org/csgt Funded by a California Department of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant

Obesity Trends* Among U. S. Adults BRFSS, 1990, 2000, 2010 (*BMI 30, or about 30 lbs. overweight for 5’ 4” person) 2000 1990 2010 No Data ≥ 30% <10% 10%– 14% 15%– 19% 20%– 24% 25%– 29% www. cdc. gov/obesity/data/adult. html

We have the potential to help change this trend! A healthy diet, together with sufficient physical activity, can contribute to life-long physical, mental, and psychological wellbeing.

Garden-Enhanced Nutrition Education (GENE) Hands-on In The Garden GENE Nutrition Concepts Edible Activities

Gardening and food preparation provide a fun, engaging, hands-on way to learn about nutritious food. By Teaching GENE Lessons We Strive To: Provide to multiple academic vegetables with Get students outdoorspositive experiences do for the Teach children basicfruits and concepts, such fresh studentswhat and active. food an appreciation of Connectstudents withnutrition subject areas. as fruits bodies. a farm fork. valueitand vegetables. to of colors or balancing the food how of eating variety their gets from groups.

Research supports Garden-Enhanced Nutrition Education Students who plant and harvest their own fruits and veggies are more likely to eat them. Morris, Zidenberg-Cherr UC Davis 2002 Three schools in Vacaville, CA Ø Ø Nutrition education only (N) Ø Ø Nutrition education + gardening (GENE) Control group (regular instruction) GENE group = significant improvements in 4 th grade students’ Ø Nutrition knowledge Ø Preferences for certain vegetables--both grown in the garden and from the supermarket

Also ~ ØIncreased consumption at home ØWillingness to eat vegetables as a snack and ask a family member to buy certain vegetables Ø Follow-up showed that results were retained 6 months later

Specific Study on Increases in Consumption Idaho— 6 th Graders Mc. Aleese & Rankin, American Dietetic Association 2007 For GENE school Ø The number of servings of fruits and vegetables combined more than doubled from 1. 93 to 4. 5 servings per day. ØSignificantly increased Vitamin C, A and Fiber consumption Ø Non GENE Schools - No significant increase in fruit/veg, Vitamin C, A or Fiber intake.

GENE in Action Hands-on In The Garden Nutrition Concepts GENE Edible Activities

My. Plate, My Garden

www. lifelab. org/garden-pathways/

Where is GENE Happening? www. lifelab. org/birthday. php

WHERE ARE YOU FROM & WHAT DO YOU DO? www. lifelab. org/birthday. php

Workshop Goals l l l Recognize how garden-enhanced nutrition education promotes the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables and healthy lifestyles. Understand how to use an edible garden to engage young people in hands-on nutrition education activities. Learn tools and strategies for involving children and youth in safe food handling and preparation in a garden, kitchen, or classroom.

Workshop Goals l l l Learn how to plan for an edible harvest. Become familiar with resources related to garden-enhanced nutrition education. Network with others involved in gardenenhanced nutrition education around relevant topics, such as funding, policy, and best practices.

l Find GENE content at www. csgn. org/gene www. lifelab. org/birthday. php