Local nonprofit asks for help to fund school gardens
Programs include nutrition, environmental education, and real-world skills
– One Cool Earth, a nonprofit that has developed school gardens across San Luis Obispo County for 25 years, is seeking community support to maintain its programs as funding sources decline.
Since its founding, One Cool Earth has built and sustained more than 50 school and community gardens. The organization provides environmental education, hands-on science lessons, and health programs to students throughout the region. Last year, the group delivered more than 3,500 standards-aligned lessons and reached more than 12,000 students. Its educators worked weekly in 33 school gardens and offered more than 30,000 healthy food tastings with produce grown by students.
One Cool Earth officials said the program’s future is uncertain due to a reduction in available funding at the federal, state, county, and local levels. The expiration of COVID-era relief and broader public budget shortfalls have contributed to the issue. Although federal funds account for about 6 percent of the organization’s budget, that funding is expected to decrease. The group also anticipates fewer grant opportunities as school districts and public agencies focus on maintaining core services.
“It’s no secret that school garden programs across the country are facing increasing threats due to funding cuts,” the organization stated. “As school districts scramble to maintain core operations, integral enrichment programs like ours are often left vulnerable.”
The organization describes its gardens as outdoor classrooms, health hubs, and spaces for project-based learning. In addition to nutrition and science education, the gardens are used to help students engage with nature, practice collaboration, and develop real-world skills.
While One Cool Earth reports it is currently financially stable, leaders say a more sustainable funding model is needed. The group is now asking for support from local residents, businesses, and community partners to maintain and grow its programming.
“To build a more stable, diverse funding source that will sustain school gardens, we are turning to you, our local community, supporters, and businesses,” the organization said. “Without your support, these garden programs could disappear. With it, students keep a place to learn, grow food, and build real-world skills that matter.”
For information on how to support or donate, visit onecoolearth.org.
