Independence Gardens

Teaching children the importance of nutrition to reduce diabetes risk

Location: Texas
Website: www.independencegardens.org
Donation amount: $25,000

Independence Gardens has established itself as a leader in innovative nutrition education in Lewisville, Texas since 2013, impacting over 10,000 children through its comprehensive approach to food and health education.

The organization's core programs revolve around outdoor edible learning spaces, where students engage in hands-on activities that seamlessly integrate science, math, and social studies with valuable lessons in nutrition and agriculture. This experiential learning model fosters a deeper understanding of the food system and its impact on health.

Expanding on this foundation, Independence Gardens introduced The Beanstalk Project, which brings hydroponic towers into school cafeterias. This initiative allows for year-round produce cultivation, providing students with continuous access to fresh vegetables and practical lessons in sustainable farming techniques.

The program culminates with "Come and EAT IT," where professional chefs guide students in preparing meals using the produce they've grown. This farm-to-table experience reinforces the connection between agriculture, nutrition, and culinary skills.

Independence Gardens' impact is particularly significant in Title 1 schools, where over 70% of students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. By addressing food insecurity and providing nutrition education, the organization aims to reduce the risk of diet-related chronic diseases such as childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Through strategic partnerships, Independence Gardens continues to expand its reach in North Texas. Their latest initiative aims to impact 5,000 students annually, producing thousands of pounds of fresh vegetables for participating communities.

By connecting children directly to their food sources, Independence Gardens is fostering healthier communities and bringing STEAM-based learning to classrooms through hands-on experiences with gardening.

When over 70% of our students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, we're not just seeing numbers—we're seeing kids who need both immediate access to fresh food and the knowledge to make healthy choices for life,” said Chonnie Richey, Independence Garden’s Executive Director. “If we can't connect children to nutritious food in elementary school, how can we expect them to make better choices as adults? The Beanstalk Project bridges that gap by putting fresh vegetables directly into their hands while teaching them that healthy eating starts right here, right now.