Blessed Sacrament School recently received a $2,000 School Garden Grant from Whole Kids Foundation and FoodCorps, which faculty and families were able to put to use expanding their community garden. The garden is incorporated into part of the school’s curriculum, Director of Advancement Sonia West said. “We use the garden to teach students about food systems, community awareness and conservation,” she said. This summer, snap peas harvested from the garden were given to summer campers and by fall, vegetables are planned to provide healthy snacks for the school’s extended-day program.

West said they hope to expand the garden to establish a future farmer’s market and to also be able to donate food to those in need. The garden started about five years ago and has been kept up by local Daisy and Brownie Girl Scout troops, families and community members. It also has a compost system and worm farm.