April
Learn, Grow, Eat & GO! (LGEG) is the new research-based, evidence-based curriculum project of the International Junior Master Gardener program. LGEG grows good kids through an interdisciplinary program combining academic achievement, gardening, nutrient-dense food experiences, physical activity, and school & family engagement. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension partnered up with Zapata County ISD to provide the LGEG curriculum as part of the Healthy South Texas initiative at North Elementary and Arturo L. Benavides Elementary schools . Both schools created after school Garden Clubs with a total of 33 students as they started the 10-week LGEG curriculum. Extension Health Agent, Sammy Luera, Better Living for Texans Nutrition Education Assistant, Amanda Villarreal, Master
Gardener, Jaime Garcia provided the fun, educational lessons to the students with the assistance of North Elementary School Counselor, Diana Ramirez and ALBES teacher, Glory Vela. Students enjoyed the hands on gardening and nutrient-dense food experiences along with fun activity classroom lessons such as the "Know and Show Sombrero" lesson. Many students had the chance to take home cherry tomato plants to grow on their own and some got the chance to harvest some of the Swiss Chard that they planted at the beginning of the program. School administrators were very thrilled with the results of the LGEG program and wish to continue in the fall of the next school year with a new set of students joining the after school garden clubs.