Broccoli

Description:

This garden sign is made of two pieces of wood joined in a "T" shape, forming the sign and the stake that secures it in the ground. The wooden sign is painted dark green and “Brocolli” (broccoli) is written in yellow across the front. This broccoli sign was made by a student taking part in the Edible Schoolyard Project, an effort that sought to bridge the gap between children and their understanding of the food system. Founded in 1995 by Alice Waters, a chef, food activist, author, and restaurateur, the Edible Schoolyard Project grew from her desire to reshape the food experience in public schools in Berkeley, California. Waters gathered educators, families, farmers, cooks, and artists to work closely with students to create a school garden and kitchen classroom.

Waters established the project based on her perspective as a chef and a supporter of sustainable agriculture, and her interest in the Montessori method of education. The Montessori method emphasizes a hands-on, collaborative learning environment and is a vital element of the Edible Schoolyard Project. The project was founded on the belief that children deserve to be nurtured in body and mind and aims to support the natural curiosity of children. The non-profit organization uses organic school gardens, kitchens, and cafeterias to teach academic subjects and instill an appreciation for sustainable agriculture and community. As of June 2021, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School serves as a demonstration site and example of edible education. Students address climate change, public health, and social inequality through hands-on experience with gardening and cooking under the Edible Schoolyard Project curriculum. The project also offers training about edible education to educators, gardeners, chefs, and food advocates from around the world.

By 2019, The Edible Schoolyard Project Network connected 5,681 programs from 53 U.S. states and territories as well as 75 countries around the world. The Edible Schoolyard Project inspired similar efforts across the country and by 2020 the organization provided edible education support to more than 6,000 schools worldwide. The organization continues to support families, educators, and students during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic through the creation of lesson plans and curriculum suited for home education. The garden sign highlights how the children under the edible education curriculum helped organize and cultivate the school garden. This sign denoted the portion of the garden dedicated to the growing of broccoli.