Invest in Outdoor Learning Gardens & Health

Challenge

Georgia has the 2nd highest childhood obesity rate in the U.S. and nearly 40% of Georgia's children are overweight or obese. Children are becoming less connected to nature, food origins and the outdoors, and are choosing (more than ever) to engage in sedentary, unhealthy behaviors like excessive use of computers, TV, video games, and eating fast food and junk food regularly. Still, 75% of GA parents don't recognize the problem and so we believe the solution to child obesity must begin at school.

Solution

Outdoor learning increases the amount of physical activity children receive each day and develops an appreciation for being in nature. This program incorporates the message of nutrition and healthy behaviors as a core part of each school day by introducing children to the natural system of how food travels to their plate, offering fresh produce in the classroom and cafeteria, and providing youth recipes that students can share with family to influence purchasing and eating habits at home.

Long-Term Impact

As a result of learning through the CPLG model, children develop a love and understanding of nature, food origins, and a sense of place within their communities. By teaching core subjects through an environmental lens, children understand their role in improving the health of our planet, which in turn affects the health of each one of us. We help children understand how food is grown, where their food comes from, and to develop a palate and appreciation for healthy fruits and vegetables.

Additional Documentation

This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).

Resources