1. Growing Groceries By: Heather Pitcher

2. What is the Problem? According to the CDC 18%- 33% of children in the United States are Obese Creates health problems Students are bombarded with advertisements for processed, unhealthy high calorie snacks and sweets Do not have the information to make healthy choices

3. What is the Solution? Students spend the majority of their day at school-schools can change their attitudes about nutrition Teach healthy lifestyle choices in the classroom Empower children make better choices through nutrition education Growing Groceries

4. What is Growing Groceries? Program designed to empower students to make healthy choices Allows students to grow their own fruits and vegetables Teaches about sustainable agriculture and healthy living Is in accordance with Center for Disease Control and Department of Agriculture reccommendations

5. How will it be implemented? Educators will attend conferences to learn about sustainable agriculture and nutrition School will design a garden used by students for growing fruits and vegetables Students will participate in activities that reinforce healthy food choices and nutrition Weekly newsletter will be sent to parents regarding nutrition education – healthy snack ideas, meal preparation guidelines, and other important topics

6. What is Needed? Technical and educational assistance Materials such as loam, compost, plants and tools A grant from the Department of Agriculture would fund this program- Community Facilities Program

7. What is the benefit? Students will learn to grow, time and harvest their own plants Learn the value of locally grown, sustainable agriculture Environmental, social, and community awareness Integrates nutrition into the classroom

8. What is the expected Outcome? Students will be empowered with the knowledge to make healthy food choices Growing Groceries will influence student attitudes regarding nutrition Combat media messages to make poor food choices