Dutemple builds community garden

By Pam Schiff

Posted 6/28/17

By PAM SCHIFF In the fall of 2016, Cranston Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse approached schools asking if anyone was interested in applying for a grant through the Rhode Island Department of Education to have a community garden. An excerpt from the

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Dutemple builds community garden

HOW DOES A GARDEN GROW? Students from Mrs. Testa's, Ms. Doorley's and Ms. Ruggieri's fifth-grade classes at Dutemple Elementary pose in front of their garden box on June 21. MANY HANDS MAKE GARDENING EASIER: Members of the fifth-grade classes dig into their garden box to prepare it for planting.

(Herald photo by Pam Schiff)

Posted Wednesday, June 28, 2017 1:43 pm

By Pam Schiff

In the fall of 2016, Cranston Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse approached schools asking if anyone was interested in applying for a grant through the Rhode Island Department of Education to have a community garden.

An excerpt from the original email explains the program.

"The program is called R.I. Feeds R.I. and it involves planting gardens where community members rent plots and donate a portion of what is raised to the food pantry in their community. In addition, a portion of the produce needs to be eaten by the students as part of a larger discussion on nutrition.”

Principal Kim Magnelli went into more detail about how her school is helping.

"We received a grant from the Whole Kids Foundation for a community garden,” Magnelli said. “The garden boxes, soil, seeds, and some educational resources were provided. Several community members have agreed to help out caring for the gardens over the summer months. Each grade is choosing the seeds they wish to plant. We have everything from herbs to pumpkins. The crops produced will be for community use. Hopefully, kids in the neighborhood will get to see the ‘fruits of their labor.’"