Metro Parent Magazine August 2014 | Page 41

Cast Your Vote Today! Showing off the garden’s treasures. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SCHOOLYARD FARMS. In the summer, the farm transforms into a summer camp where first through sixth graders spend a week exploring the farm, harvesting the produce and preparing healthy snacks. Metro Parent’s Family Favorites continue as we invite you to vote for your family’s favorite education and birthday resources. Now through August 10th, visit us online to cast your vote in the following categories: EDUCATION RESOURCES Kids Cooking When kids are involved in a school garden they are more likely to think positively about fruits and vegetables. And when kids are involved in a school garden that circles its food back the cafeteria, they are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables. Amusement Parks/Bowling/ Swimming & Water Parks Language Education Schoolyard Farms’ vision is to see a school farm on every schoolyard. We imagine scaling up the traditional size of a school garden — around a dozen raised beds — to the size of a school farm, at least one acre. By expanding, enough produce can be grown to sell, generating revenue to support the program. Also, there is enough space to host programs like summer camp and after-school classes for the community. Instead of hearing, “I don’t want to eat that,” the question we often hear at the farm is, “Do we get to eat the vegetables?!” We’re so happy to tell them, “Yes!” BIRTHDAY RESOURCES Arts & Crafts/Cooking Performing Arts Preschools/Daycares Dance/Gymnastics/ Acrobatics/Martial arts Schools Entertainers Science/Technology/Math Indoor Playspaces Sports and Active Outdoor Venues Tutoring/Learning Assis х