Cultivating Future Sustainability: How School Nutrition Gardens Can Tackle Food Security & Inspire the Next Generation

Did you know that nearly 35% of children in India suffer from malnutrition (NFHS-5), and over 74% of rural households struggle with food insecurity? While India claims to produce enough food, accessibility to nutritious, chemical-free produce remains a challenge. Given climate change and a declining interest in agriculture among younger generations, how do we ensure that children grow up with an understanding of food, nutrition, and sustainability?

At Thanal, we believe the answer lies in Nutrition Gardens in Schools—a simple yet powerful initiative to reconnect children with farming, food systems, and health.

The Manikavu School Nutrition Garden: A Model for Change

On November 15, 2023, students of NAAUPS Manikavu, Wayanad, embarked on a transformative journey—setting up their own organic kitchen garden within the school premises. This wasn’t just about planting vegetables; it was about learning, growing, and reclaiming their connection with nature.

 

 

 

 

What Did the Children Learn?

Over several weeks, students from seventh standard actively maintained the garden while participating in sessions on agroecology and nutrition.

✅ Organic Farming Techniques – Understanding how to grow food, getting to know organic inputs and traditional agroecology farming practices

✅ The Science of Soil Health – Learning how microbes, compost, and organic matter contribute to better crop growth

✅ The Importance of Plant Health & Biodiversity – How different plants and organisms work together in an ecosystem

✅ The Dangers of Chemical Pesticides – Their impact on health, biodiversity, and the environment

✅ The Concept of a Healthy Meal Plate – Understanding the importance of balanced nutrition and food diversity

 

 

After weeks of dedication, on January 27, 2024, the students proudly harvested their first crops—fresh, organic vegetables including spinach, lady finger, Cauliflower, Cabbage, brinjal, Chilli and tomatoes. These vegetables were used in their midday meal scheme, ensuring that the children directly benefited from their labor. For many students, this was a profound experience. They weren’t just learning about food—they were growing it, tasting it, and understanding its importance in their daily lives.

 

 

 

 

 

Scaling the Impact: What Can We Do Together?

✅ Expand School Nutrition Garden Programs: Organizations, educators, and policymakers can integrate garden-based learning into school curricula, making it a core part of environmental education.

✅ Encourage Agroecology-Based Learning: Schools should go beyond gardening to incorporate topics like climate resilience, soil health, and sustainable farming techniques in practical, engaging ways.

✅ Strengthen Farmer-School Partnerships: Collaborations between farmers and schools can facilitate seed exchanges, mentorship programs, and knowledge-sharing, ensuring that traditional farming wisdom is passed down to younger generations.

✅ Advocate for Policy Changes: Governments should invest in school garden programs as part of nutrition and education policies, recognizing their role in food security, public health, and climate adaptation.

 

 

 

Why School Nutrition Gardens Matter for Food Security

• Declining Agricultural Interest: Studies show that only 1.2% of rural youth in India want to pursue farming as a profession. This disinterest threatens the future of food production. School gardens introduce farming at an early age, nurturing curiosity and respect for agriculture.
• Fighting Malnutrition & Poor Dietary Habits: With ultra-processed foods dominating children’s diets, school gardens provide a hands-on way to teach nutrition, encouraging a shift towards fresh, local, and organic produce.
• Promoting Climate Resilience & Sustainable Agriculture: By incorporating organic methods, water conservation techniques, and crop diversity, these gardens act as micro-models of sustainable farming.