OUR PROGRAMS

Bloom Health Initiative

Rooted in the education of growing food, we cultivate nourishing environments that support the health of self, community, and land, economic development, healing, and creativity through urban agriculture. Bloom Health Initiative Program is a year-round educational gardening program for youth and at-risk/underserved children/youth. The focus is on growing food from seed to harvest, soil science, organic growing methods, innovative alternatives for food production for changes in climate, water conservation, whole foods nutrition and cooking with vegetables, vegetable preservation, healthy natural movement, alternative therapy for dealing with mental health issues and also fostering community mindfulness by employing the idea of reciprocity.

The garden engages students by providing a dynamic environment in which to observe, discover, experiment, nurture, and learn. It is a living laboratory where lessons are drawn from real-life experiences, rather than textbook examples, allowing students to become active participants in the learning process. Through the garden, students understand ecosystems, an appreciation for food origins and nutrition, and knowledge of plant and animal life cycles.

Interested in contributing to this program?
Check out our wish list items here.

The knowledge students gain from this program will give them a foundation for self sufficiency and sustainability, skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

“I wanted to bring these educational programs to our community because I am passionate about kids learning to grow vegetables organically and understanding why it’s more nutrient dense. It’s so important for overall health. The habits need taught when they are young.”

rachel Alexandar, Executive Director

Major Aims of School Garden Programs

Educational Aims

Increase the relevance and quality of education for rural and urban children by introducing into the curricula important life skills.
Teach students how to establish and maintain home gardens and encourage the production and consumption of micronutrient-rich fruits and vegetables.
Provide active learning by linking gardens with other subjects.
Improve children’s attitudes towards agriculture and rural life.
Teach environmental issues, including how to grow safe food without using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Teach practical nutrition education in order to promote healthy diets and lifestyles.
Provide students with a tool for survival at times of food shortages.
Show them how to maintain physical health by working in the garden as natural exercise.

Economic and Food Security Aims

Familiarize school children with sustainable production of food, especially methods that are applicable to their homestead or farm and important for household food security.
Improve food availability and diversity.
Reduce the incidence of malnourished school children.
Increase school attendance and compensate for the loss in transfer of “life skills” from parents to children—especially in child-headed households.
Promote income-generation opportunities.

Major Benefits of School Gardens

Intellectual Development—Academic Skills

Support core academic training, particularly in science and mathematics—real world hands-on experiences.
Enrich core curriculum in language arts through the introduction of new learning topics.
Learn about the environment and promote sustainable development.
Learn scientific methods.

Psychological Development—Social and Moral Skills

Develop responsibility.
Learn the joy and dignity of work—foster work ethic.
Increase self-esteem and confidence.
Develop patience.
Develop a sense of cooperation and school spirit.
Learn respect for public and private property.