Junior League of Monterey County, CA

Growing Up Gardens (GUG) implements edible food gardens in Monterey County schools in an effort to reduce childhood obesity rates by bringing awareness to healthy eating habits and the importance of knowing where food comes from.

These GUG gardens act as catalysts to show students just how versatile, delicious, and FUN healthy food can be, developing positive attitudes toward healthy, fresh food and increasing consumption of these foods.  In addition, they transform unused parking lots and asphalt slabs into lush, inviting gardens, improve air quality, increase exposure to the natural world, and encourage environmental stewardship.

In addition to gardening, GUG partners with Kid’s Eat Right to provide health screenings,  physical activities, and healthy eating lessons.

Since 2014, the Junior League of Monterey County has implemented 13 gardens, reaching over 4,000 children, decreased the choice of unhealthy snacking, and have sponsored and passed legislation establishing September as Childhood Obesity Awareness Month in California with congressman Bill Moning.