This is the second year that Dorman Preschool in Shelby County has utilized the SNAP-ED Garden Grant. The grant has made it possible to provide fresh fruit and vegetables to children and teachers who attend school there. Dorman Preschool is a non-profit who’s Regillio approach gives children the opportunity to explore their environment, engage in imaginative play, and learn by doing. A concept that is related closely to 4-H. The grant provided much more to the school than just fresh food. It provided children with a new avenue to explore, learn and grow.

Children in the preschool class were included in the garden process from start to finish. They started seeds in their classroom, helped transplant them in raised beds, watered them and harvested the foods when ready. Giving the students the opportunity to watch the seeds germinate helped them to become invested in the project. They were excited about their seeds and talked about them non-stop. While the plants were growing outside, they began to communicate and educate each other about worm, bees, butterflies, plants turning in to food, when the proper time to harvest was, what each plant was and so much more. They are excited about the growing process and most importantly the end result, the food they get to try. I have personally found that when children are included in the growing, harvesting or cooking process, they are more likely to try foods that are new to them.

In the fall we were able to come into the classroom and make pumpkin apple muffins with their students and are looking forward to the opportunity again using ingredients from their garden. The students enjoy cooking and learn so much about food safety and cooking information. Even at preschool age, these students understand so much and are more capable than most think they are. This has been a rewarding and eye-opening experience for me as an educator. I look forward to the opportunity to continue this project at the school.