In an age of rising food prices, industrial agriculture, and concerns about food security, a great idea unfolds: turn an abandoned lot at an urban public school in California into the Edible Schoolyard. Kids learn to grow food, keep a garden, cook, eat and converse together, and start it all over again the next day, all the while practicing science, history, and math. Alice Waters sums it up: "Right there, in the middle of every school day, lies time and energy already devoted to the feeding of children. We have the power to turn that daily school lunch from an afterthought into a joyous education, a way of caring for our health, our environment, and our community." I recommend this book to anyone who cares about food and how we feed our children (although it's really about so much more). In addition to reconfirming the belief that healthy eating should be a right and not a privilege for the wealthy few, it also provides insight into the value of connecting to our rich history through hands-on education.I only wish it had provided tips and/or suggestions regarding starting similar programs (even on a smaller scale) in our own local schools (I do realize that she provides many resources on-line but if one wasn't internet savvy they might not know this).
What do You think about Edible Schoolyard (2008)?
Game changing. School cafeterias don't cook, they reheat. Why are we so lazy?
—Beth
saw her last night at a benefit for this program. very inspiring!!
—Seb
What a lovely, inspirational book! Thanks, Carmine. :)
—readerforever
