PEDAGOGICAL SCHOOL GARDENS AS A FOOD AND NUTRITION EDUCATION STRATEGY: PERCEPTION OF PARENTS AND EDUCATORS OF THEIR IMPACT ON CHILDREN´S DIETS

Urban Farm DB summary

A study of three municipal schools in Greater São Paulo, Brazil, examined the dietary impact of children's experience growing food in school gardens, as perceived by parents and educators. In-depth interviews with principals, teachers, and staff, plus semi-structured in-home interviews with parents, gathered responses from 27 individuals — 19 parents and 8 educators. The school garden was found to promote reflection on eating and food through knowledge gained from direct contact with growing food crops, affecting both the children and their families. Concrete effects reported included dietary changes, greater knowledge of food and the food system, increased appreciation of the food produced, and greater motivation to try new vegetables.