Food For Thought has adapted a novel curriculum called “Growing Great”, developed by
Marika Bergsund for the Manhattan Beach Unified School District. This curriculum integrates
California academic teaching standards with hands-on garden projects for various grade levels.

To give all of our students a chance to get their hands dirty, we’ve also begun garden clubs at our elementary schools. Garden Club members volunteer time during recess to help our Garden
Coordinator weed, prune, and maintain our school gardens. After five hours of time volunteered, Club members earn a Food For Thought cap. At the end of the growing season, Garden Club
members harvest the produce from dedicated garden boxes and sell it at their very own school farmers market, with proceeds going back into the Club’s kitty. At last count, Topa Topa’s Garden Club had 70 members and has sold out of produce at every farmers market!

Food For Thought provides funding for a Garden Coordinator to oversee garden volunteers and the garden
program in all five OUSD elementary schools. We also provide funding for garden tools, supplies and
maintenance. We welcome volunteers to help us grow our garden program!