~Photos by Claudia Ferro

The Somerville Farm to School movement in the Somerville Public Schools is strong, thanks in large part to community partners dedicated to helping students learn sustainable practices that can lead to healthier lifestyles.

Earlier this week, Groundwork Somerville and the Community Preservation Act (CPA) celebrated the completion of a CPA grant project that supported improvement of the district’s school gardens, an important educational system for our students.

With the generous support of the CPA grant, Groundwork has been working to make major infrastructure improvements in eight of our district school gardens. Improvements included new garden beds, tool storage systems, irrigation systems, decorative and instructive garden signage, rainwater collection systems, and more.

Tuesday’s celebration took place at the East Somerville Community School garden in the school’s courtyard, with members of the CPA Board of Directors and Mayor Curtatone joining the Groundwork Somerville team as well as representatives from the district and students, teachers, and administrators from ESCS for a ribbon-cutting event.

School gardens provide an opportunity for students to learn the basics of gardening and to experience first-hand the benefits of sourcing fresh vegetables, herbs, and plants in their own “back yard.” Gardens serve as important teaching tools that support academic learning, as well as places where students can build skills in social dynamics and learn about healthy eating.

A heartfelt thanks to Groundwork Somerville and the Community Preservation Act for their incredible support, and for helping Somerville students foster an appreciation for healthy living.

Learn more about these great Somerville organizations at www.groundworksomerville.org and www.somervillema.gov/cpa.