The Healthy Roots farm-to-school garden education program was developed and initiated by the Monroe County Health Council with the overarching goal of increasing nutrition education and access to fresh fruits and vegetables. In 2022, the Health Council, in partnership with the Monroe County & Sweetwater City School Systems, received funding through the Tennessee Department of Health’s CARE Grant for the Healthy Roots program. Garden sites & “Classroom Connections” began at Rural Vale Elementary School and Sweetwater Junior High School in 2023.
In addition to the hands on planting, growing, and harvesting involved in the farm-to-school gardening education program, the Healthy Roots Classroom Connection Curricula further teaches students about soil health/maintenance, waste reserve, composting, pollination, pollinators vs. pests, plant wellness, native edibles, weather resilience, storing (canning, freezing) after harvest, cooking skills, youth-friendly recipes, seed banking, and more!
Partners and relevant individuals/businesses present on various topics of expertise throughout the schoolyear as a part of the Classroom Connection Curricula provided by the Health Council. Pictured are representatives from UT Extension Family & Consumer Science Department and the USDA Soil Conservation Department.
“Gardens and children need the same things-
patience, love, and someone who will never give up on them.”
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Thank you
to the gardeners of personal growth, who give of themselves more than asked or expected to continuously bring beneficial programs like Healthy Roots into existence, nurture them, and see them through to successful fruition.
Deep gratitude to every visionary, coordinator, expert gardener, teacher partner, and volunteer—past and present—who plants the seeds and helps this initiative continue to bloom in our schools and community.
Our Dedicated Healthy Roots Team & Volunteers
The Healthy Roots program continues to bloom and grow thanks to the passion and hard work of our current staff:
Lynn Carangelo, Haley Knuckles, Mikaela McConkey
These committed gardeners work hand-in-hand with schools and individual teachers to coordinate programming, facilitate lessons, tend the gardens, and inspire students through hands-on planting, harvesting, and learning.
We’re also incredibly thankful for our wonderful volunteers—including many skilled Master Gardeners—who generously share their expertise, time, and enthusiasm to help every garden session thrive and every child grow.
Tabitha, pictured front & center, is recognized for her pioneering work in creating and developing the Healthy Roots farm-to-school garden education program. Her foundational contributions helped launch this successful initiative, which continues to thrive today as the dedicated team nurtures and grows it, building on her vision.