As teams of agriculturalists across America celebrated National Agricultural Day on March 18, a group of volunteers and professionals arrived at Miller Grove Middle School in Lithonia, Georgia. They were there to give a hands-on outdoor lesson on how to build, plant and maintain a school garden to a group of Atlanta metro-area students who have likely never experienced what it’s like to grow their own food.
On this made-to-order, cool and clear morning, just two days before the official start to spring, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Dr. Joe Leonard was the first to share remarks. He began by thanking Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack for his commitment to providing community gardens to underserved communities. “Miller Grove School is a perfect example of how partnerships between the federal government (USDA’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights and Natural Resource Conservation Service), non-profit organizations (The Stewart Foundation and Two Rivers Resource Conservation and Development Council) and the DeKalb County School District can work together on behalf of children.”
The students, sixth- and seventh-graders, planted lettuce, cabbage and other crops in raised beds. A hoop house – made of a plastic cover and pipes – was also built to keep crops warmer during the cooler seasons. This gives the students a longer season to grow their crops.
“I am proud to be a part of an effort that is helping to reconnect our children to the land and hopefully inspire the next generation of farmers and conservationists,” said Terrace Rudolph, NRCS state conservationist in Georgia. “Too many times we take for granted what lies beneath our feet. The soil that our streets, houses and buildings sit upon is also the same soil that feeds us, helps filter our water and purifies our air.”
NRCS provided technical assistance to the school. The local NRCS district conservationist, Jerome Brown, taught the kids about soil, how to space plants and when to water.
One 12-year-old student who plans to study molecular biology is enjoying the hands-on science lessons at the garden. “While I knew about how photosynthesis would turn the sunlight into food for the plants, Mr. Brown taught us that it mattered how close we planted these vegetables together,” the student said. “Otherwise, the sunlight wouldn’t get to all the plants and they’d die. So proper spacing of the plants is important and I’ll show my classmates that outside, not from a book in a classroom.”
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and USDA have been committed to community gardens, especially in underserved communities. Through efforts like this one in Georgia, USDA has invested in community gardens because of their ability to provide fresh, local produce as well as an avenue for exercise.
“Childhood nutrition is so vital. We are trying to create an atmosphere where these children know exactly where their food is coming from and get excited about fruits and vegetables due to having ownership.” said Jillian Semaan, a senior adviser in Leonard’s office. “One in three children are obese or overweight. By growing and harvesting their own fresh fruits and vegetables while incorporating The First Lady’s Let’s Move initiative, we hope to see these numbers come down.”
U.S. Congressman Hank Johnson, who represents the fourth congressional district where Miller Grove is located added, “Urban gardening and farming is not a passing fad but is becoming an increasingly important way to live more sustainably. The gardens give city dwellers more control over the source of their foods, enable them to depend less on grocery stores and processed foods, and bring beauty, wildlife and peace to hectic city life.”
Added Principal Thaddeus Dixon: “This was a great way to celebrate these kids who have shown a desire and ability to learn about agriculture and teach their classmates about something they might not otherwise be exposed to in their community.”
Seeing the level of commitment from the students provided the team with a sense of fulfillment, knowing this new group of agricultural producers -- most of whom never before felt the richness of the soil between their fingers -- will continue to nurture the seeds that were planted. It was a wonderful way to celebrate on National Agriculture Day!
