Ready, Set, Grow! School Garden Network (RSG) is a local nonprofit working to bring hands-on garden and nutrition education to elementary schools across the region.
Many children do not have regular access to experiences that connect them to how food is grown. National research shows that most children do not consume the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables, and repeated exposure to fresh foods—especially through hands-on learning—can significantly improve both familiarity and willingness to try new foods. School gardens provide a proven, engaging way to support nutrition education, physical activity, and real-world science learning.
RSG partners directly with schools to design, build, and sustain school garden programs that are fully integrated into the school day. This includes constructing raised garden beds, installing irrigation systems, creating outdoor classroom spaces, and providing ongoing coordination so that gardens remain active, accessible, and used by students and teachers.
What makes RSG unique is its focus on long-term sustainability. In addition to building garden spaces, RSG supports School Garden Coordinators and parent volunteers who lead structured, standards-aligned lessons in the garden. Through this model, students participate in consistent, hands-on learning experiences that reinforce science, nutrition, and environmental literacy.
RSG currently supports garden programs at multiple local elementary schools and is actively expanding to additional campuses where little to no garden infrastructure exists. At some schools, this means revitalizing underutilized garden spaces. At others, it means transforming empty, unused areas into vibrant outdoor learning environments.
These gardens become more than just planting spaces—they become outdoor classrooms where students can explore plant life cycles, observe pollinators, build responsibility, and develop a deeper understanding of food systems. For many students, this is their first opportunity to plant a seed, harvest produce, and experience fresh fruits and vegetables in a meaningful way.
Community support plays a critical role in making this work possible. Funding helps cover essential materials such as soil, irrigation, and garden beds, as well as the coordination needed to ensure gardens are consistently used and maintained over time.
As RSG continues to grow, the goal is to expand access to school garden programs so that more students—regardless of background—can benefit from hands-on learning, increased exposure to fresh foods, and meaningful connections to their local environment.
Support through Big Day of Giving helps bring these spaces to life and ensures they continue to serve students for years to come.