Taconi Head Start in Ocean Springs installs outdoor garden planting

Volunteers and staff helped guide students at the Taconi Head Start in Ocean Springs with the fall installation of their outdoor garden boxes.

Students enjoyed planting and learning about growing their own foods. The kids planted tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and citrus.

They also learned about how pollinators support the plants that feed us. The lesson is set to become a part of their annual curriculum of head start’s early childhood program.

The program also includes family-based activities that help foster education and promote adoption of healthy behaviors beyond the classroom. Lead Teacher Paula Curtis said, “They are learning a lot about flowers and the nature, how to keep the earth sustainable, where our food comes from.”

Volunteer Mark W. LaSalle said, “These kids are learning, their minds are just open. They are just sponges and this is the best time to start that conversation about you can actually grow your own food very easily. You don’t have to just go to the grocery store and get it.”

The Gro-More Good Garden Grant was awarded to the Community Action of South Mississippi through a partnership between the National Head Start Association and Scott’s Miracle-Gro Foundation.