We must plant the sea and heard its animals; using the sea as farmers rather than hunters. That is what civilization is all about - farming replacing hunting.
--Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Aquaculture Education
At the Green Jean Foundation, we believe that growing the future of food means starting with the next generation. That’s why we’ve focused heavily on aquaculture education this year — bringing the science of sustainable seafood production straight into Florida classrooms!
Junior Edward Reinhold is showing freshmen Ethan Griffa and Kaya Kerins how to use a dissolved oxygen meter. Proper amounts of dissolved oxygen are important for both fish and plant health.
Aquaculture, or farming fish and/or aquatic plants, is a key part of addressing global food security and protecting our oceans. It’s a sustainable way to produce healthy protein, reduce pressure on wild fish populations, and support local economies. According to NOAA Fisheries, responsible aquaculture is also more environmentally friendly than many land-based farming practices. By helping students learn about these systems firsthand, we’re teaching them how innovation can solve real-world challenges.
Junior Anna Co is replacing water in the deep grow bed that supplies plants with nutrients converted from fish waste.
This year alone, we’ve installed more than 20 aquaponic (fish and plant) systems in elementary, middle, and high schools across the state. Altogether, nearly 10,000 students now have the opportunity to get hands-on experience growing food, testing water quality, and caring for plants and fish. It’s STEM learning with a purpose — and it’s helping students connect the dots between sustainable farming, environmental stewardship, and healthy communities.
We’re proud to be helping schools plant the seeds for a greener future. Stay tuned — there’s so much more to grow!
Growing Healthy Habits
At the Green Jean Foundation, we believe gardening grows more than just plants — it grows healthy habits, curiosity, and a deeper connection to the world around us. That’s why we proudly donate gardens to schools, helping promote agricultural education, increase nutrition awareness, and teach children the important lesson of where their food comes from. Through hands-on experiences, students not only learn science and sustainability, but also build life skills that will serve them for years to come.
Students at Vierra Elementary School learn about installing irrigation in their new garden beds.
Gardening offers a wealth of benefits for children and adults alike. One of the greatest impacts is the inspiration to eat healthier. Growing fresh, nutritious food makes it more likely that fruits and vegetables will find their way onto your plate. With only 1 in 10 adults currently meeting daily fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, tending a garden — even a small one — can make a big difference. Even simple containers of herbs, tomatoes, or lettuce can elevate both the flavor and the nutrition of everyday meals.
Beyond better eating, gardening is a natural way to stay active. Tasks like planting, weeding, and watering count as moderate-intensity exercise, supporting heart, bone, and muscle health. Plus, spending time outdoors offers a welcome dose of vitamin D, vital for strong bones and overall wellness. Just a little sun exposure while working in the garden helps meet the body’s needs for this essential nutrient — a benefit that’s often hard to achieve through diet alone.
Thank you to the amazing volunteers and Green Jean team members for their work installing the most recent school garden at Vierra Elementary School!
Gardening is also a powerful way to bring families and communities together. Working side by side to care for a garden encourages communication, teaches responsibility, and provides children with the satisfaction of seeing their hard work bloom into something beautiful and nourishing. Plus, kids are far more likely to taste and enjoy vegetables they’ve helped grow themselves! And let’s not forget the mental health benefits — tending a garden has been shown to significantly reduce stress and boost mood, making it a healthy outlet for everyone involved.
If you’re getting started with gardening, it’s helpful to know your local growing zone and planting guidelines. Your local Extension Office is a great resource for information about what to plant, when to plant it, and how to care for your garden based on your area’s climate and soil conditions. Whether it’s a school garden full of discovery or a backyard project at home, planting a seed today can blossom into lifelong healthy habits. The Green Jean Foundation is proud to be part of this growing movement, and we look forward to helping even more students dig into the joy of gardening!
In Case You Missed It!
Congratulations to all our Haiku Contest entrants! We are so grateful for your creative submissions. If you missed the announcement though Green Jean's social media, here are the winning haikus:
