Healthy Foods

School and Community Gardens

Where does your food come from – and who grows it? 

The School and Community Gardens program increased access to fresh produce grown in school and community gardens. The project supported garden use for all community members. The program also established Regional Garden Education Centers in numerous locations throughout the county.

 

Victory Gardens San Diego has launched their new Web site. It includes the latest information on Regional Garden Education Center courses, garden resources, and opportunities to get involved in the local garden movement.

 

» Find a Class

The School and Community Gardens program creates healthy, livable communities through gardens. The program takes us back to our roots, the basic values involved in growing and raising our own food.

This effort addresses obesity-prevention through enhancing access to healthy food. The School and Community Garden program integrates school and community needs, leading to school garden access for the entire community. The program inspires community members to question where their food comes from, and how the food source affects both nutrition levels and the local economy.

The program establishes Regional Garden Education Centers throughout the county, promoting garden implementation and education.

What you can do: Take gardening classes at your local Regional Garden Education Center.  You can sign up directly with the following Regional Garden Education Centers:

     

    Olivewood Gardens and Learning Center (National City)
    2525 N Ave, National City 91950
    Contact: Michelle Cox, (858) 204-6949

     

    Solana Center (Encinitas)
    137 N El Camino Real, Encinitas 92024
    Contact: Elizabeth, elizabeth@solanacenter.org, (760) 436-7986 ex 225

     

    International Rescue Committee (City Heights)
    5348 University Ave, San Diego 92105
    Contact: Anchi Mei, (619)6417510                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

     

    San Diego Youth Services (Spring Valley)
    3845 Spring Dr, Spring Valley 91977
    Contact Steven Jellá, (619) 221-8600 x229

     

    Wild Willow Farm & Education Center (South San Diego)
    2550 Sunset Ave, San Diego 92154
    Contact: Erynn Pierce, (619) 540-2431

    These tools created in partnership with the County of San Diego's Department of Environmental Health support safe and healthy foods:

    Food Safety at Community Gardens: Frequently Asked Questions

    Conditional Approval of a Culinary Garden Food Source for a Regulated Food Facility

    Food Safety at Community Gardens

    Composting Tips for School and Community Gardens

    Gudielines for Use of Alternative Water Supplies to Irrigate Gardens

    For more information on these documents, contact Naomi Butler at naomi.butler@sdcounty.ca.gov

    For more information on community gardens in San Diego, contact http://www.sandiegocommunitygardennetwork.org/.