Let's Grow Pensacola!

So, now that we've finally gotten a little rain in Pensacola, why not add a few seeds to the mix and volunteer with "Let's Grow Pensacola"? "Let's Grow Pensacola" is a Leadership Pensacola initiative aimed at curbing the 37% childhood obesity rate in Escambia County through the use of student nutritional education and the creation of school gardens.

Healthier eating in schools has long been a pet peeve of mine, especially since I like to eat with my daughter at her elementary school on occasion, and I see the horrible slop they feed our children (no offense to those that work the lunch lines- I know you can only work with what you are given). What bothers me is that even though I've personally made my concerns known by emailing the school principle, every member of the school board, and my local legislators, not one of them even bothered to send a reply. So, since the powers that be don't seem concerned with providing our school age children with healthy food options, I was glad to see that Leadership Pensacola had taken on at least part of the challenge.

As a home gardener myself, I know that it takes a lot of work to plan and bring a garden to fruition, so I would encourage you to volunteer your time, if you are able, and also to speak with the administration at your own local schools to encourage each and every school to start a school garden.

"Let's Grow Pensacola's" Mission: "We are committed to breaking new ground in the fight against childhood obesity through school gardening projects. The goal is to feed our children's hunger with knowledge and opportunity to grow with good nutrition and plant healthy roots for their future health and wellness. Our children are looking to us for guidance in making responsible choices, saying...Let Us Grow."