University Heights Charter School (Newark, NJ)
Students in Grades 1 and 2 participate in the garden program. The garden was built over grass in a fenced area on the south face of the school. It contains an area for a bird and butterfly habitat garden as well as four raised beds for growing food and cultural education. The garden is cared for by a parent and teacher organization as well as by classroom teachers. There is also space for benches for a garden story space.
Hope Academy Charter School (Asbury Park, NJ)
Students in Grades K-8 use the garden as part of their Science curriculum. The garden was built over pavement and is cared for by the After-School program and by volunteers during the summer. The garden may become part of the Parents Academy Saturday School nutrition and life skills programming. The garden contains four raised beds, benches and an arbor for shade.
Learning Community Charter School (Jersey City, NJ)
Students in Grades K-8 use the garden as enrichment to the many existing earth, agriculture, and nature-related programs. Two types of gardens were constructed. A bird and butterfly garden were planted in the adjacent, fenced portion of Lincoln Park. A second area consists of two raised wooden beds placed over pavement in the north parking lot. The garden is cared for by parent volunteers and classes that use the garden frequently.
Lady Liberty Academy Charter School (Newark, NJ)
Build with Purpose helped Lady Liberty Academy enhance their healthy foods program. They receive the USDA’s Fresh Fruits and Vegetables grant allowing the school to give students fresh fruits and vegetables. Per the grant, the fruits vegetables have to be served raw and not during lunch. Build with Purpose is organizing a chef to come to the school and show students different ways the fruits and vegetables can be eaten.
Sussex County Charter School for Technology (Sparta, NJ)
Build with Purpose helped Sussex County Charter School build a butterfly garden with two raised beds. The butterfly garden was built in between the two school buildings and was planted with native plants. The two raised beds are used as an herb garden, salad garden, and Spanish Cultural garden.
Funding for GSSI provided in part by the Walmart Foundation.
Press releases:
Build with Purpose Receives $25,000 Grant for Healthy Communities Program
READS Builds Gardens in Three Charter Schools during National Garden Month
