That’s why fifth-grade math teacher Amy Brown and some of her colleagues decided to begin a garden project.

The project was started in the summer of 2019, but COVID-19 put it on hold. It was picked back up this year.

“Remembering how excited the students were when picking vegetables, making salsa in the classroom, baking zucchini, discussing recipes and how to make healthy food choices has stuck in my mind since,” Brown said.

Brown and fellow committee members Jodi Jacobsen and Heather Wittrock were assisted by elementary students Kathleen Hildreth, Maddie Wittrock, Bella Nelson, Brody Bush, Camdyn Swanson and Brooklynn Dornath, who all helped to plant the seeds and get things prepared before the end of the school year.

-Submitted photo
A garden project led by Amy Brown, Jodi Jacobsen and Heather Wittrock was created at Manson Northwest Webster elementary school this past year.

The goal is to provide students, families and staff with the experience of growing, preparing and eating foods grown in the school garden. The vegetables will be used for students and staff in school, while excess produce can be shared in the elementary food pantry, which is accessible to all families and will allow them to make an impact beyond the classroom.

“We live in a rural community and want our students, families and staff to share in the experience of growing, preparing and eating foods grown in school gardens. We want to make a connection between farming and the food we eat,” Brown said. “The project also connects to PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) by teaching students the importance of responsibility.”

High school students in Ag Construction built the raised beds under the instruction of Brian Nelson. The garden committee established and identified students and families who have helped plant the gardens and will take turns weeding, watering and caring for them over the summer.

High school students Brody Poppen, Reece Olson and Jeremy Bailey all helped load the dirt into the beds that were brought to the elementary.

“We elected to switch from a traditional garden to raised beds so that the students could gather around with more ease while listening and learning about gardening,” Brown said. “That also allows students to touch and see the vegetables more closely. There were a few issues, but luckily the Manson Northwest Webster School District promotes projects involving student and community involvement.”

-Submitted photo
Manson Northwest Webster elementary students, from left, Brooklyn Dornath, Maddie Wittrock, Bella Nelson, Kathleen Hildreth, Camdyn Swanson, and Brody Bush helped prepare the gardens for a garden project.

Various types of squash, peppers, tomatoes, yellow onion, eggplant, cilantro and parsley were all planted.

“For this to be a successful and meaningful project to the community, families will be assisting in the watering, weeding and care of the garden,” Brown said. “This creates family time and a connection for the students with their family and school.”

NEW Cooperative and the MNW PTO provided donations, which were supplemented with funds raised through fundraisers held at the schools.