About the Edible Schoolyard Kern County
What is an Edible Schoolyard?
The Edible Schoolyard Kern County (ESYKC) provides students from across Kern County with a hands-on, sensory educational experience like nothing else.
Academic concepts are brought to life, and students are able to make the connections between food, the environment and wellness.
In the garden, students cultivate the soil, plant seeds and watch them grow every season. They are taught the principles necessary to grow their own food and learn how to maintain an ecosystem that fosters both healthy habits and environments. In turn, our gardens thrive seasonally and function with the assistance of the children who attend ESYKC programs.
Their education continues in the kitchen, where students learn how to safely prepare recipes that are both nutritious and delicious, using fresh, healthy foods grown in our gardens.
We encourage students to explore and awaken their senses to the world around them and to enjoy and appreciate food through seed to table education.
Our Mission
To create and sustain an organic garden and learning kitchen that is integrated into the school’s curriculum and culture.
Our hands-on garden and kitchen lessons teach students the values of:
- Environmental stewardship
- Seasonality
- Personal expression
- Active learning
- Collaboration and cooperation
- Nourishment of self, family and community
The Model
The Edible Schoolyard Kern County traces its roots to the pioneering work of Alice Waters and the Edible Schoolyard Project in Berkeley, California.
At its heart, the Edible Schoolyard provides a dynamic and joyful learning experience for every child, where they are encouraged to discover and develop a healthy relationship with the food they eat.
We are dedicated to the transformation of public education by using our edible gardens to teach both academic subjects and the values of nourishment, stewardship and community to the children of Kern County.
Our Network
The Edible Schoolyard Kern County is proud of our partnerships with the Grimm Family Education Foundation and Grow Public Schools (formerly known as Grimmway Schools).
- Locations
- Buena Vista Edible Schoolyard
- Grow Academy Arvin
- Grow Academy Shafter
- Partners
Our Team
Meet the talented and passionate people who bring the Edible Schoolyard Kern County’s programs to life.
