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 ensure beneficial programs like Healthy Roots come into existence and are seen to fruition successfully; specifically to Tabitha Prock.
Tabitha is the gifted author of the Healthy Roots “Classroom Connection” Curricula. She was also an instrumental creative program visionary, serves as the school + volunteer coordinator & facilitator for Healthy Roots programming, and of course- she’s an expert gardener! All of this in addition to being a wonderful Daughter, Sister, Mother, Wife, Friend, employee & giver of love/compassion to all.
Tabitha, pictured front & center, is credited for her dedication to the creation, development, implementation, assessment, capacity building, and overall sustainability of the Healthy Roots farm-to-school garden education program.