Yesterday marked a significant day for nurturing healthy lifestyles as the Teaching Garden program successfully planted its second garden at the Will Rogers Learning Community School, nestled in Santa Monica, California. I had the privilege of joining my esteemed friend, Kelly Chapman Meyer, at this inspiring event. Together, we guided the enthusiastic children through an invigorating exercise routine, filling the morning with joyful movement, active participation, and sheer fun.
The remarkable growth of the Teaching Garden initiative is truly inspiring. Just a few weeks prior, we celebrated the launch of our inaugural garden. What resonates deeply with me about the Teaching Garden is its innovative approach to educating children about nutrition and fitness through hands-on experiences. This particular event at the Will Rogers Learning Community thoughtfully paired students with dedicated volunteers from AARP’s Create The Good. This intergenerational interaction not only broadened the children’s understanding of healthy living but also provided them with invaluable time spent with adults who embody active lifestyles and mindful eating habits. The hope is that the Will Rogers Learning Community, and schools alike, will continue to champion this initiative, passing on the torch to students and educational institutions throughout Los Angeles and even further afield.
It was especially heartwarming to have my husband, Laird, and our two daughters present at the event. As parents, Laird and I are deeply committed to instilling in our children the fundamental importance of healthy eating and regular exercise. We joined Jessica Stroup and Daniella Monet in the vibrant garden, lending a hand in planting vegetables alongside the eager students. Create The Good, in collaboration with EIF’s iParticipate campaign, plays a crucial role in enabling the Teaching Garden to reach its ambitious goal of establishing 1,000 gardens in schools across the nation within the coming years. They have developed a comprehensive toolkit, empowering individuals to initiate or participate in school garden projects, effectively extending this impactful program to communities nationwide. It’s truly an amazing endeavor! Principal Chi Kim expressed sincere gratitude for the AARP volunteers’ involvement in assisting the children with planting, recognizing their integral role in ensuring the long-term sustainability of this enriching project at the Will Rogers Learning Community.
The Teaching Garden program seamlessly integrates mentorship, nutrition education, gardening practices, and sustainability principles with community service and active engagement. My role in this impactful initiative is simple yet fulfilling – I get to encourage the kids to move! With each new garden established, my overarching goal is to consistently reinforce the vital message that informed choices regarding our food and exercise habits are paramount. Children need more opportunities to run freely, jump with abandon, and engage in active play.
The resounding laughter, palpable joy, and bright smiles witnessed yesterday – not to mention the flourishing gardens that blossomed from our collective efforts! – serve as compelling evidence of the power of community-driven projects like this. They effectively unite individuals to take those crucial first steps towards embracing healthier lifestyles and adopting mindful eating practices, right here at the Will Rogers Learning Community.
