RESOLUTION NO. RS2012-172

A resolution encouraging the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education to make school gardens a priority.

WHEREAS, our schools are entrusted with providing healthy, nutritious options for students; and
WHEREAS, fresh, safe, locally grown foods can be a healthy and economical source of nutrition for growing children; and

WHEREAS, overweight children and adults are at greater risk for numerous adverse health consequences, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain cancers, asthma, low self-esteem, depression and other debilitating diseases; and

WHEREAS, eating more fresh fruits and vegetables helps reduce the risk of obesity, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic diseases; and

WHEREAS, children eat significantly more servings of fruits and vegetables in schools that provide fresh produce; and

WHEREAS, knowledge of nutrition, including the importance of eating fruits and vegetables, as well as how food is grown, who grows it, and how to prepare it, are important components of health education; and

WHEREAS, having locally grown and locally raised food available as part of our schools’ meal offerings increases awareness of healthy eating options to a large, diverse audience; and

WHEREAS, a number of Metropolitan Nashville public schools have gardens on the school grounds that are used to teach students about healthy eating habits, but there does not currently seem to be a comprehensive Board of Education policy or program to establish and promote school gardens.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as encouraging the Metropolitan Nashville Board of Public Education to make school gardens a priority. This could be accomplished by establishing a system-wide program to create and promote school gardens and to promote in-class education about healthy locally-grown foods.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of Metropolitan Nashville Board of Education and to Dr. Jesse Register, the Director of Schools.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Charlie Tygard, Karen Johnson