Who We Are + Who We Serve

Who are we…

Vision:

School Garden Project is committed to a future in which all children become knowledgeable, healthy adults who understand the basics of growing food, can apply science principles to garden ecosystems, steward the natural world, eat fruits and vegetables, and contribute to a thriving community.

Mission:

We help Lane County schools develop onsite vegetable gardens where we teach children standards-based science and the basics of growing food, using the garden as an outdoor laboratory. We also provide material and curriculum resources; professional development for educators; volunteer recruiting and training; and maintenance support to sustain and expand gardens. We recognize that committing to equity, diversity, and inclusion maximizes our potential by building a resourceful community that celebrates its unique strengths, talents, and perspectives.

Who we serve…

We serve the Eugene 4J, Bethel, Springfield, and Junction City School Districts.

14 of SGP’s 18 partner schools are Title 1A school wide schools. These schools are in communities with high rates of poverty and the Department of Education has identified that every child in attendance needs additional educational support to assure student success.

94% of the schools that the School Garden Project partner with are participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the free and reduced lunch program. CEP schools are in communities with high rates of families receiving SNAP and TANF benefits. Eligibility for the CEP program means that every child at the school receives a free breakfast and lunch.

When School Garden Project of Lane County partners with a school, our science-based curriculum is delivered by our team of experienced garden educators. Large class sizes transform into small learning communities. We offer more individualized attention and support to the students who need it the most.

For many of our students, our class is the only opportunity they have to taste “fresh” fruits and vegetables.

One of our partner teachers shared that a child in her fifth-grade class that had been shuffled between family members for most of his life and was currently houseless, came to her and thanked her for garden class. He said, “I get to taste things that I have never tasted before!