"We are the ones we are waiting for. And that from the ground up— in communities that needed most where we are both under-resourced and over-extraction— together, in community, with community, and with dedicated people, we can grow something greater." —Stephen Ritz
School gardens are popping up all over the country as more and more people are recognizing their value in transforming both the lens of public education and green literacy. These gardens are usually designed and built by educators, parents, or community members with the help of students.
The gardens serve as living laboratories where children can learn about the environment and the importance of eating healthy. They also provide a place for students to relax and connect with nature.
Gardens can be found in all types of schools, from urban to rural, and they come in all shapes and sizes. They can be as small as a window box or as large as an acre. No matter their size, all school gardens have the potential to make a big impact on the lives of the students who garden in them.
This is the mission of the Green Bronx Machine Curriculum, an indoor gardening educational program that allows children to eat what they grow! Not only does this help them develop healthy eating habits early on, but it also increases their school engagement and opens up job opportunities. And it’s not just a flash in the pan – this program is here to stay as this initiative keeps growing.
This week, Stephen Ritz is back on the show to share exciting news and developments about the Green Bronx Machine. They also talk about how kids can now both enjoy exploring, planting, and learning both physically and digitally. Tune in and learn what we can do to help more kids experience the joy of education and personal eating outcomes.
Meet Stephen:
Stephen Ritz is a South Bronx educator who believes that students should not have to leave their community to live, learn, and earn in a better one. An internationally acclaimed award-winning educator, Stephen is the author of the best-selling book, The Power Of A Plant, and founder of Green Bronx Machine Known as “America’s Favorite Teacher,” Stephen is responsible for creating the first edible classroom in the world, which he has evolved into the National Health, Wellness and Learning Center. He and his students have grown more than 100,000 pounds of vegetables in the South Bronx. He was a Top Ten Finalist for the Global Teacher Prize, named Global Humanitarian, Food Tank Hero, TEDx Prize Winner and a Global Food Educator, and has presented at the Obama White House three times. Stephen believes that together, via collaboration, coalition and get to yes solutions, we can all prosper!
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Episode Highlights:
00:53 Growing From 17 to 270,000
03:33 The Green Bronx Machine Curriculum
07:19 From Box to Garden
10:30 Together, We Can Grow