“The Health Foundation of South Florida was crucial in helping The Education Fund launch one of its foundational programs, Food Forests for Schools, which allows elementary students in Miami-Dade County Public Schools to access hands-on lessons in vibrant eco-learning labs in their schoolyards.”

Linda Lecht, President, The Education Fund

With a transformative investment by the Health Foundation, The Education Fund’s Food Forests for Schools program has turned 30 local elementary schools into thriving living classrooms serving 59,000 students and their families. What began as a vision of school gardens in 2004 has flourished into lush Food Forests filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, providing students with their first taste of certain produce while offering hands-on lessons in sustainability, nutrition, and healthy eating.

Since its inception, the program has distributed more than 278,000 harvest bags, helping families foster healthier eating habits. The program reports 47% of students improved their eating behaviors, such as choosing more fruits and vegetables and 47% of parents reported serving healthier meals at home. Additionally, fresh produce from the Food Forests is integrated into school cafeteria meals, ensuring that students have daily access to nutritious food.  The initiative’s impact extends beyond food access—students are learning about nutrition literacy, understanding how fresh food impacts their well-being, and engaging in healthier eating behaviors.

The program nurtures long-term health benefits by fostering early exposure to healthy eating habits. By teaching children where their food comes from and how to grow it themselves, the initiative encourages balanced eating practices that can help prevent obesity, diabetes, and diet-related illnesses later in life. Plans to expand to 60 schools promise an even greater impact on student health and community wellness.