School Gardens 1 Produce Safety University

School Gardens: An Educational Tool District-sponsored learning environment Typically on school property Involves students, staff, and community Can include flowers, trees, fruits, and/or vegetables

Grants and Funding Food Corps (Americorps) Youth Garden Grants

Funding from School Nutrition Seeds Equipment such as rakes, watering cans Supplies for starting and maintaining the garden FFVP program funds may not be used

School Garden Site Selection 5 Location should be away from: garbage utilities animals water runoff flooding septic systems

Prepare to Dig 6 Know what’s below, call before you dig 811 nationwide call center

Soil for School Garden 7 Determine soil history Soil testing recommended for some areas Consider purchasing commercial soil Contact your county extension office for assistance. Locate them

Cornell Waste Management Institute 8 Healthy Soils, Healthy Communities Project Research on urban gardens Level of contaminants in soil Effective strategies for safely managing soil Funded by NIH

Protect School Garden from Animals 9 Create reasonable barriers to keep wildlife/animals away from garden Fencing Cages

Materials for School Garden 10 Non-toxic, non-leaching material Cedar, untreated pine or fir Terra cotta pots Concrete Unused livestock water troughs (drill drain holes) Burlap filled with straw Avoid pressure-treated lumber (especially if made prior to 2004), tires, rail road ties, old bricks with paint, plywood, etc.

Plant Selection 11 Select non-allergenic and non-toxic plants Known allergens should be avoided Contact local extension agent for assistance

Water for School Gardens 12 Safe water source Test all non-municipal sources Maintain water testing records Use food grade containers to transport water

Chemical and Fertilizer Use 13 Avoid use of pesticides or herbicides Check with local cooperative extension agent for non-chemical pest reduction methods

Chemical and Fertilizer Use, cont. 14 Use according to manufacturer’s directions Store in secure location Restrict handling to adults only Maintain Materials Safety Data Sheets Contact health department regarding applicable OSHA hazard communication requirements

Dispensing Chemicals and Fertilizer 15 Label dispensing containers with common name Dispose according to manufacturer’s directions

Composting and Manure Use 16 Avoid raw or composted manure Consider purchasing commercially prepared compost Hot versus cold composting

Composting and Manure Use, cont. 17 – Vermicompost – Add only plant products to compost – Fruit and vegetable trimmings may be used – Do not use cafeteria waste – Locate compost away from potential contamination

Soil, soil, soil pH Compost Mulch (straw, wood chips, etc.) 18 Organic Gardening

Growing and Harvesting Produce 19 Training for students, staff, and volunteers Liability coverage for garden staff Signed permission slip for all student gardeners

Growing and Harvesting Produce, cont. 20 Handwashing and personal hygiene Harvest garden regularly Use potable water for cleaning produce Use acceptable harvest containers- cleaned and sanitized Harvest tools-cleaned before and after each gardening session

Using School Garden Produce in School Meals 21 Check local regulations Work with school garden coordinator – Discuss best produce options – Discuss food safety

Using School Garden Produce in School Meals 22 Receiving Reject if unacceptable Avoid using if noticeably contaminated Storing Traceability Liability coverage

Donations from Community Gardeners 23 Communicate with stakeholders Check local and/or state regulations Determine if the source is safe Determine if liability coverage necessary Develop guidelines Visit garden

School Garden Scenarios 24 Team activity Group discussion