Fostering healthy eating, promoting outdoor learning, and strengthening community connections.
In September six schools ranging from elementary through high school and five community-based nonprofits from Central Arkansas and the Delta region gathered for the FoodPositive School and Community Garden Project Workshop. The workshop, coordinated by the Arkansas Environmental Education Association, was part of a collaborative effort between University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, AEEA, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The FoodPositive project aimed to strengthen and expand school and community gardening initiatives, promote outdoor learning opportunities, and build a collaborative network of educators and community leaders committed to improving local food systems and advancing nutrition education.
The day-long workshop, held at the UAPB’s STEAM Center, featured interactive presentations, research demonstrations, healthy eating ideas, and hands-on educational activities designed to inspire participants to engage with their community in multiple ways. Local resource exhibitors shared tools, funding opportunities, and community partnerships available to support ongoing garden efforts.
“This program is a bundle of resources. We have received financial support, technical support, and networking support. This is definitely a winning combination for your school garden and personal development,” explained Dr. Regional Wilson of North Little Rock 6 Academy of Agriculture and Veterinary Science.
Dr. Suzzette Goldmon, associate professor and program director for UAPB’s Hospitality and Tourism Management Program and project lead for the FoodPositive initiative, explained “this project is a model of convergence of communities coming together to do outreach education enhancing the health and lives of Arkansans through food security.”
The FoodPositive School and Community Garden Project was supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Convergence Accelerator Food & Nutrition Security Track: Food EducatioN for Nutritional security and Empowerment in Local communities (FENNEL). The program is designed to empower local schools and nonprofits to build thriving garden spaces that foster healthy eating, promote outdoor learning, and strengthen community connections.
Interactive Activity on Companion Planting
Healthy Snacks With the Smoothie Bike
Vegetable Growing Demonstrations
Outdoor Learning
Garden-themed Snacks
Happy Participants
Participating Organizations
Schools:
– Academies of West Memphis
– Amboy Elementary School
– Forest Heights STEM Academy
– Little Rock Southwest High School
– Marion Math, Science and Technology Magnet School
– North Little Rock 6 Academy of Agriculture and Veterinary Science
Community Nonprofits:
– Blackturalism
– Boys and Girls Club of Central Arkansas
– Future Builders, Inc.,
– Melosong C.I.T.Y.
– Rural Community Alliance in partnership with Marvell-Elaine School District