Yellville-Summit school garden yields bumper crop of benefits

The first seeds in the Yellville-Summit Public School’s garden project were planted in 2012 with funding from a Delta Garden Study grant initiated by Arkansas Children’s Hospital to study obesity prevention measures in youth.

Katherine Quinn, agriculture teacher and garden program specialist, says five years later, the garden project has grown into the school’s curriculum with the expansion of the school’s agriculture program offerings into plant systems program of study.
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Beyond the classroom, Quinn says faculty members have seen their students exhibit improved personal nutrition choices, make better grocery store choices and demonstrate new found gardening skills.

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Quinn says the pieces come together for the students when they harvest their crops.

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At the high school level, Quinn says students have taken a great deal of pride in growing lettuce that is served to their fellow students in the school cafeteria.

Quinn says the faculty members hope they are developing a lifelong learning pattern among their students through the school garden project.

For those with questions, Quinn may be reached at 870-449-4061.

This month Our Community Cares, sponsored by Danny Porter of Century 21 LeMac Realty; Kent P. Nachtigal, MD, General and Vascular Surgery; Guild Mortgage Company; and KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot, highlights the Yellville-Summit School Garden program. Learn more at ktlo.com Our Community Cares

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