Alta Vista Middle School students harvest and taste purslane.
Processed to Prepared: Growing Powerful Food Skills
Students from Island Village Montessori school harvest their first radish crop. 75% of the students stated they had never eaten a radish before growing their own.
While searching for one of my great-grandmother’s recipes—a rich, comforting noodle casserole—I was struck by the ingredient list: butter, lard, and whole cream. It was no surprise it tasted so good! But it also sparked a realization. In generations past, people ate what we now consider indulgent ingredients—full-fat milk, butter, potatoes, even sugar—yet maintained better overall health and leaner physiques. What was different?
The answer lies in how food was prepared and consumed. Meals were made from scratch using whole, unprocessed ingredients. People cooked at home, used what they had on hand—fresh vegetables, simple grains, and local meats—naturally controlling portions and reducing waste. Cooking was a daily skill, not a hobby or luxury. Without processed convenience foods, nutrition came from real food and hands-on preparation.
Today, however, the average diet is dominated by highly processed foods which make up more than half of our daily caloric intake. While easy and convenient, these products are designed for shelf life and addictive taste, but often lack the essential nutrients our bodies need. Loaded with added sugars, excess sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives, processed foods are a major contributor to the growing prevalence of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and chronic inflammation. This makes it all the more important for people to develop the skills to turn whole vegetables, grains, and meats into nourishing, satisfying meals. Cooking isn’t just a life skill—it’s a cornerstone of good health.
That’s why the Green Jean Foundation’s approach—combining gardening with cooking and nutrition education—is so impactful for people of all ages, helping communities build the skills needed for healthier, more self-sufficient living. Supporting this approach through farm-to-school programs and local farmers’ markets further strengthens the connection between communities and their food systems. By encouraging schools to source locally and by teaching students to value and support local growers, we not only improve nutrition but also invest in the health of our local economies and environments. These experiences empower children to develop lifelong habits rooted in self-sufficiency, sustainability, and wellness.
Rachael Witherspoon, Education Director
New aquaponics system installed and ready for use at Melbourne High School.
Bring Gardening, Aquaponics, and Ag Education to Your Campus!
Do you know a school or teacher passionate about hands-on learning, sustainability, and agriculture education? The Green Jean Foundation is currently developing programs for the 2025–2026 school year and is seeking Florida schools interested in bringing aquaponics, urban or alternative gardening systems, and traditional raised bed gardens to support agriculture and life sciences.
Our programs go beyond planting and harvesting. We can also offer guest lessons led by agricultural professionals as well as opportunities for career exploration. We support schools in incorporating agriculture and life sciences into the classroom in meaningful and engaging ways. These programs not only promote STEM learning but also foster environmental awareness, healthy eating habits, and real-world problem-solving skills.
If you know a school that would benefit from these engaging, future-forward learning experiences, we’d love to connect. Please reach out to us at info@greenjeanfoundation.org to learn more.
Check Out the Modern Farming Podcast
Looking to dig deeper into the world of sustainable agriculture and food systems? Tune in to the Modern Farming podcast—your go-to source for engaging conversations on everything from soil health and pollinators to community gardening programs and innovations in regenerative farming. Each episode features real-world stories, expert insights, and practical ideas that connect listeners with the people and practices shaping the future of food.
Whether you’re a home gardener, educator, student, or ag professional, Modern Farming offers something for everyone passionate about growing healthier communities and a healthier planet. Listen in and get inspired to take part in the movement toward smarter, more sustainable agriculture.
