Teaching Gardens®

teacher and child student in garden

The American Heart Association is calling all schools and educational facilities interested in connecting children to gardens, addressing food access concerns in their neighborhoods, supporting health, nutrition, and environmental stewardship to be a part of our mission by joining our new Teaching Gardens Network.

10 years ago, the American Heart Association teamed up with noted child-nutrition activist and philanthropist, Kelly Meyer, to create the American Heart Association Teaching Gardens® program. Over the last decade, the American Heart Association Teaching Gardens program has launched over 500 Teaching Gardens nationwide.  

 

One third of U.S. children are overweight or obese putting them at higher risk of heart disease and stroke.
diverse kids smiling in gardens

Exposing Students to Fruits and Vegetables

Teaching Gardens address the healthy eating challenges that are facing our nation’s children and families by supporting school and community gardens. This successful approach to engaging youth makes healthy foods fun, and provides opportunities for children to not only grow, but understand and enjoy the benefit of eating healthy foods. The American Heart Association is empowering students to become champions of change and promote healthier lifestyles to their families and school communities.  

 

Teaching Gardens Network

The Teaching Gardens Network is a one stop shop for everything you need to start or enhance a school or community garden.

By joining the network, you gain access to:

  • Possible grant opportunities for funding your garden.
  • Free gardening materials and resources.
  • Digital cross-curricular, standards-based gardening and nutrition education curriculum.
  • Downloadable Teaching Gardens Network certificate.
farmers market in teaching gardens
Teacher in a Teaching Garden with students

Teaching Gardens Grant Program

The American Heart Association is proud to award grants to school and community gardens that demonstrate a commitment to children’s health, nutrition, and environmental stewardship.