Columbia Peace and Hope Garden
The Columbia Peace and Hope Garden was started in 2003 through a collaborative effort by The Peace Center, Habitat for Humanity's Hope Square community and Columbia Elementary School. The garden is a resource for both Columbia Elementary School and the surrounding JeffVanderLou neighborhood. The garden provides a safe green space, access to fresh produce, and an educational resource.
School Gardening
During the school year, all Columbia students have a number of opportunities to plant and harvest produce in the garden that they later eat. This experience allows students to learn about how plants grow, where food comes from, and that nutritious vegetables can actually taste good! This year a nutrition curriculum made possible through a partnership with HopeBUILD will be taught to students that will specifically connect their gardening experience to the importance of nutrition in their lives.
Community Gardening
Over summer vacation, the garden was put to good use by community gardeners who grew an assortment of produce. The school beds that weren't in use were used to grow food that was sold at the North City Farmers' Market. Selling at the Market helped us raise money that will go towards the school gardening program!