Opportunity is growing at Gorrie Elementary school in Tampa to create community partnerships through gardening.
“I think that’s our favorite part not only do the kids get to see actual plants being grown, we can give it back to our community and have it in restaurants and maybe even give it to our community centers.“ said Hilary Stetekluh, a third grade teacher at Gorrie.
Several raised beds are nestled near the playground of the school, teaching the children you don’t need a large footprint to grow a lot of food.
The children are hoping to partner with restaurants to sell some produce to nearby locally owned restaurants, and give back by donating what they grow to community centers.
Also, the hope is guest chefs will visit Gorrie to teach the kids how to cook what they grow.
“We are planting Bok Choy, peas, dill, maybe we are making pickles!“ said th grader Rafella Rodriquez.
Gorrie is part of a growing trend to teach children the same skills students learn in rural areas. Many will one day participate in Future Farmers of America programs also popping up in many city schools across Tampa Bay.
