The Edible Schoolyard at Samuel J. Green Charter School

New Orleans, Louisiana

The Edible Schoolyard in New Orleans serves 320 students from Green Charter School in grades K–8 and 46 students from Arthur Ashe Charter School in grades 4–6. Now in its third year, the Edible Schoolyard at Green is firmly established in Orleans Parish. Open Garden, held every second Saturday, welcomes the entire community to share in tending and harvesting the garden and preparing and sharing a fresh, seasonal meal.

Over the past year, the garden and kitchen classroom developed even further as the Edible Schoolyard established itself as part of the school’s culture and its daily program. A citrus grove was planted, an area for seasonal row crops was cultivated and seeded, and an outdoor classroom — the gathering area for garden classes — was completed. Promoting and preserving local food traditions is central to the work of the Edible Schoolyard NOLA. Middle school students study both the history and role of Creole cooking in New Orleans and foods indigenous to the region. Children interview family cooks, professional chefs, and farmers, and participate in hands-on Creole cooking classes led by family cooks and professional chefs. Learn more at www.esynola.org.