USF anthropologists teach grade-schoolers in South St. Pete how to love vegetables

The USF Department of Anthropology is actively teaching elementary school students in South St. Petersburg the importance of growing and consuming vegetables as part of a community gardening initiative. First-grader Mariah expressed her excitement about her radish harvest from a garden located at the Sanderlin Family Center, a nonprofit dedicated to community support. The program, which is funded partly by the USDA, aims to address pressing issues such as nutrition and food insecurity within the local community. According to volunteer gardener Damien White, many children are more familiar with processed snack foods than fresh fruits and vegetables, highlighting a significant gap in nutritional education.

The gardens not only serve as hands-on learning experiences but also contribute to local food pantries, providing fresh produce to those in need. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need for healthier eating habits among young people, particularly in underserved areas. USF's program is a proactive step toward fostering a new generation that appreciates and understands the value of nutritious foods. By engaging students in this way, the program is helping to cultivate both community spirit and better health outcomes.