School gardens tended to by Summer Food and Fitness program ...

The school gardens at two Waukon schools are flourishing thanks to the green thumbs of the young gardeners involved in the Summer Food and Fitness program hosted by the Iowa 4-H AmeriCorps program, ISU Extension and Outreach and the Allamakee Community School District (ACSD). In June, club members planted and tended the garden at the Waukon Middle School. Nine raised beds were filled with cucumbers, tomatoes, ground cherries, kohlrabi, peppers, peas, cauliflower and sunflowers. Some of the yield from this garden will be shared with students taking part in the ACSD summer feeding program in August.

In July, day-campers planted crops from seed at the garden beds at East Elementary. The garden planting event was coordinated by Alyssa Bell, 4-H AmeriCorps Summer Health & Wellness Educator. Youth and staff from Growing Bear school-age care also participated in the activities. The crops were planted from seed to delay harvest until fall when school is back in session. Crops include lettuce, carrots, basil, spinach and peas. The Iowa 4-H AmeriCorps program utilizes Farm to School to build stronger community engagement, promote public health education and increase environmental awareness. For more information, contact Teresa Wiemerslage at 563-794-0599. Submitted photo.