ALPINE SCHOOL OPENS DISTRICT'S FIRST ORGANIC GARDEN FOR STUDENTS

By Jo Moreland, Alpine-Mountain Empire Chamber of Commerce

Photos courtesy of Alpine Elementary School Volunteers and Staff

May 1, 2018 (Alpine) - Students cheered at the grand opening of the new organic garden on April 27 at the Alpine Elementary School in Alpine.  The garden, aimed at teaching students healthy eating, organic gardening and the importance of exercise was put together by students, teachers, parents and an array of businesses and organizations. It is the first such garden in a new Alpine Union School District program.

Three more gardens are planned for Boulder Oaks and Shadow Hills elementary schools and Joan MacQueen Middle School.

“We’re very excited,” AES Principal Travis Wall said before the opening at 1850 Alpine Blvd. “It’s been a year since we first planned with Barons Market on a garden.  It’s turned out better than we expected.”

The district program is sponsored by the Alpine Barons Market at 1347 Tavern Road. The Viejas Casino & Resort and the Kiwanis Club of Alpine donated grants.

After the ribbon cutting, students carrying free “farmer’s bucks” lined up to go through the onsite Alpine Barons Student Farmers Market. The youngsters carefully chose purchases from piles of healthy fruit and vegetables. 

“I really like how there’s a bunch of food and they’re all fresh,” said Emily, a fourth grader. “It’s really cool.” 

Additional major donors included the AUSD Child Nutrition Department, the AES Parent Teachers Students Association, Janet’s Montana Café, the Alpine Education Foundation, Alpine Fence, Alpine Landscape Materials and Ace Hardware.