December 18, 2009 - Conexions’ project “Getting Going Growing” helps schools in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties to start and sustain their school garden programs. Now, through the Silicon Valley Healthcorps, we are bringing that support to a whole new level.  The Silicon Valley Healthcorps is a multi-agency federal grant administered by the Health Trust. Through the grant, Conexions and other agencies are hiring forty-six Americorps members to support local food programs throughout the region. Conexions is placing five of these members to serve at school gardens that we have established, including two of our newest at Rocketship Si Se Puede and Hammer and Galarza Elementary Schools.

School gardens promote healthier eating and physical activity while enhancing civic engagement and our sense of community. They are a proven solution to the obesity epidemic, making nutritious food and physical activity more readily available and enjoyable for the students. The goal of the Silicon Valley Healthcorps is to increase at-risk students’ interest in and consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. We will be measuring our results through pre- and post- assessments to see how well we succeed at this goal; and together, with the other agencies involved, we expect to make a measurable impact on children’s health throughout the region.

Conexions will help the Healthcorps members integrate garden-based education into the state standards, in order to enhance their academic achievement while learning about healthy food and increasing their understanding of natural systems. We will be using well-tested and grade appropriate curriculum that brings concepts alive, making them memorable and enjoyable. If you are interested in being a Healthcorps member or know someone who might be, please visit the website at: http://www.healthtrust.org/svhealthcorps/index.php

We look forward to having our Healthcorps members in place and introducing them to you!