The Foundation, a Southern California-based agricultural trade organization, awarded $15,000 in school garden grants, educator resources and drip irrigation kits to ten California schools and associated garden education programs.
Six of those are located in the Bay Area, including the Boys and Girls Club of South San Francisco, Tule Elk Park Child Development Center in San Francisco, Horace Mann Elementary School in Oakland, Smart Moves Education and Enrichment Program in Oakland, and San Jose State University along with Notre Dame High School in San Jose.
"We are committed to raising a garden in every school throughout California," Foundation administrator Briana Lewis said in a statement. "We found, however, that there are many dedicated organizations and eager children participating in after school programs where a garden would provide life-long benefits."
Current research suggests that garden-enhanced education increases academic achievement, improves test scores, and increases children's consumption of fruits and vegetables, according to the Foundation.