How We Came to Be
Seeds of Living Education, Inc. and The Giving Garden sprang to life from the collective dream and vision of two moms of school aged children at Union Pleasant Elementary School, Jean Gunner and Stacy Furlong on a District Wellness Committee. Children need more positive examples being set for them wherever possible, we can influence school food choices and better messaging was needed on the part of all of us as a community to model healthy eating and nutrition.
In the Spring of 2009, a grant was won, the Hidden Valley Love Your Veggies TM Search for Veggie Champions national contest. Jean was one of 10 moms awarded a $5,000 grant to construct a raised bed school-community garden at Union Pleasant Elementary School. Members of the community jumped in and a supportive, hard working group of volunteers came together. The raised beds were designed with young children in mind; they are perfect height for young and old alike. The students nominated the veggies to be sowed and planted and a contest was organized to find a name for the garden -- the children named the first vegetable garden on this land, The Giving Garden because we give to the garden and the garden gives back to us fresh and healthy veggies and fruits. The most popular vegetable was cucumber.
The first two growing seasons were very successful and full of abundant organic produce. Over 60 varieties of heirloom plants were grown. Tomatillos were a huge success the 2nd growing season. Failure is also a part of the garden experience and we have had very little fortune growing melons.
In July 2009, Seeds of Living Education, Inc. was formed with board members representing parents, teachers, community businesses and concerned community members. We received our official nonprofit designation in September of 2010. We are encouraged by all the positive feedback and encouragement we have received and looking forward to positively impacting the well being of our students and families for years to come.
Seeds of Living Education, Inc. and The Giving Garden sprang to life from the collective dream and vision of two moms of school aged children at Union Pleasant Elementary School, Jean Gunner and Stacy Furlong on a District Wellness Committee. Children need more positive examples being set for them wherever possible, we can influence school food choices and better messaging was needed on the part of all of us as a community to model healthy eating and nutrition.
In the Spring of 2009, a grant was won, the Hidden Valley Love Your Veggies TM Search for Veggie Champions national contest. Jean was one of 10 moms awarded a $5,000 grant to construct a raised bed school-community garden at Union Pleasant Elementary School. Members of the community jumped in and a supportive, hard working group of volunteers came together. The raised beds were designed with young children in mind; they are perfect height for young and old alike. The students nominated the veggies to be sowed and planted and a contest was organized to find a name for the garden -- the children named the first vegetable garden on this land, The Giving Garden because we give to the garden and the garden gives back to us fresh and healthy veggies and fruits. The most popular vegetable was cucumber.
The first two growing seasons were very successful and full of abundant organic produce. Over 60 varieties of heirloom plants were grown. Tomatillos were a huge success the 2nd growing season. Failure is also a part of the garden experience and we have had very little fortune growing melons.
In July 2009, Seeds of Living Education, Inc. was formed with board members representing parents, teachers, community businesses and concerned community members. We received our official nonprofit designation in September of 2010. We are encouraged by all the positive feedback and encouragement we have received and looking forward to positively impacting the well being of our students and families for years to come.
