By Evie Blad

In 2011-12, 31 percent of schools with farm-to-school food programs had school gardens, essentially bringing the entire farm to their schools, nutrition directors told the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA is currently completing a new farm-to-school census to see if those numbers have grown, and I wouldnt be surprised if they have. As schools face mandates to serve more fresh fruits and vegetables on their lunch trays, child nutrition advocates say involving students in their meals in a hands-on way makes those foods more appealing. And teachers say growing food provides an engaging platform for all sorts of other subjects, including writing, science, and even math assignments.

via Schools Gardens Are a Growing Trend. Whats Growing in Yours? – Rules for Engagement – Education Week.