Sussex Academy students plant, harvest crops

Sussex Academy elementary students recently harvested their second fall crop of vegetables, which they planted as Healthy Food for Healthy Kids’ 50th school garden.

All students in kindergarten through fifth grade have jobs in the community garden, which launched in fall 2023. Younger students prepare and plant vegetables, and older students harvest.

Connie Hendricks, elementary dean, said this year, students harvested 16.5 lbs. of Tokyo Bekana, arugula, kale, turnips and radishes they shared during lunch.

"A school garden is more than just planting seeds; it's a living classroom where students can connect with nature, learn about sustainability, try new foods and cultivate a love for healthy eating,” Hendricks said.

Healthy Foods for Healthy Kids supports educators in Delaware, bringing life-lasting benefits of gardening and good nutrition to kids through its education cultivation program.