Evidence of the benefits

Food Growing in Schools

In March 2012, Caroline Spelman MP, Secretary of State for Defra, launched the publication of the Food Growing in Schools Taskforce Report. The Taskforce, led by Garden Organic, highlights compelling evidence that proves food growing in schools helps support children achieve, builds life and employability skills, and improves their health and well-being.

The Taskforce consisted of 25 representatives with interests and expertise in the delivery of food growing in schools. It included leaders and practitioners from schools, charities, corporate providers, voluntary and community organisations, the media and government departments including Defra, Health, and Education.

The Taskforce engaged with over 150 organisations and schools and used data from an independent, national survey of 1,300 schools carried out to produce the final Report and Recommendations.

The Taskforce has made six key recommendations for the future to help realise the vision of every school being a food growing school.

A national campaign celebrating food growing in schools
A policy emphasis on food growing in schools
A food growing in schools online hub
Business commitments to support food growing in schools
Promotion of food growing by school leadership teams
Improved links between food growing in schools and food-related careers

Read the Executive Summary of the Food Growing in Schools - Taskforce Report. The Full Report is also available.

Growing our future

Growing our future - the impact of growing food in schools as part of a broader food education program.

Good food for all

Good food for all - the impact of the Food for Life.

Benefits to teachers

Information on the benefits of growing food at school for head teachers and class teachers.

School project case studies

Baginton School, Growing Enterprise - Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry
Community Allotment Project - in Barnes, London
Edible playground - in Tower Hamlets, London
Encouraging volunteers in schools - in Flintshire, Wales
Enterprise Food Garden Award winners - in Hackney, London
Gardening for health - in Hackney, London
Gold Food For Life award school - in Greenwich, London
Growing Enterprise project - at Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry
Growing in a small space - Hammersmith & Fulham, London
Growing in the Community - Camden, London
Growing together for Enterprise - in Flintshire, Wales
Rooftop Growing - in Southwark, South London
Tom, Growing Enterprise project - Ryton Organic Gardens, Coventry
Working with corporate volunteers - Tower Hamlets, London