Growing Healthy Habits with School Gardens and the Faith, Activity and Nutrition Program

Join the SC Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and the SC Schools Network for the 2023-24 Connecting Communities and Schools webinar series. The series aims to enhance collaboration between schools and communities using the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model as a framework to support student health.

During this presentation, Amy Dabbs and Carolyn Lindstrom with Clemson Extension School and Community Gardening will review the benefits of school gardening and resources available for South Carolina schools to grow and sustain their gardens. The Clemson Extension School Gardening for South Carolina Educators program works closely with state and community partners to provide high-quality professional training and technical support for school gardening initiatives. The program pairs a standards-based curriculum for grades K-8 with ongoing technical support that utilizes the Clemson Extension network of extension agents and volunteers. Examples of how schools have made the connections between their gardens, the classroom, and the cafeteria will be shared. The goal is to equip educators with the skills and materials needed to enrich garden-based learning and support school wellness initiatives through the development of successful school gardens.

Dr. Zora Denson serves as a FAN (Faith Activity Nutrition) Coordinator. This initiative was developed by the University of South Carolina’s Prevention Resource Center. It addresses common health conditions impacting congregations and communities. She coordinates the FAN monthly assembling and participation of thirty-five local churches. The two-hour program focuses on physical activity and healthy eating.

Speakers

Amy Dabbs
Clemson Extension Statewide School and Community Gardening Coordinator

Carolyn Lindstrom
Clemson Extension School and Community Gardening Program Assistant

Dr. Zora Denson
Director of Community Relations Town of Heath Springs SC