Best Use of Produce Category

2017 Entry Form Best Use of Produce Category

Schools awarded in this category must show use of the produce from their school garden either on or off campus.

School/School Food Authority ______County ______Mailing Address ______Contact Name ______Contact Title ______Contact Email ______Contact Phone Number ______

Directions: Use the space below to answer each question about your school garden. Responses should be limited to 300 words each. Email this form to [email protected], along with any supporting documents and images. Media release forms for all individuals in the photos must accompany the application. Pictures and images, with captions, should be submitted as a single document. Higher resolution photos may also be submitted, but must be named according to the criteria they relate to. PowerPoint slides, saved as an Adobe PDF file, are also acceptable and encouraged. Submit at least three pictures that depict your entire garden layout and design with your application.

1. Use of Produce: What creative and unique ways are you sharing your harvest with your school and/or community? Do you incorporate the garden produce into a school lunch or breakfast program? How do you use the crops you grow to promote health and wellness in the school or community?

2. Crop Volume and Diversity: What is your yield? Can you provide a measurement of how much your garden has produced? Any distinction achievements in the quantity of crops produced? Tell us about the assortment of herbs, fruits and vegetables harvested from your garden.

3. Appearance: Describe the basics of your garden design and how it looks. How do you classify your garden – as an outdoor teaching space, production or classroom garden? Does your garden program have a theme or special design? Brag about your garden!

4. Curriculum Integration: How do you use your garden program to build connections within different subject areas? Do the crops you grow foster unique educational opportunities? Name any garden-based curriculum you currently utilize in your garden program. How are you integrating the garden into the classroom?

5. School Involvement: What role(s) does the garden play within the school culture? Who participates in the garden program and maintenance of the garden itself? How does your school collaborate to enhance the program and build community school spirit?

6. Sustainability Plan: How will you make sure your garden program will be sustained far into the future? Tell us the techniques or methods you will use to keep your garden green and growing. How will you ensure the garden is maintained and that your program continues? Outline your plan in detail.