School gardens to take root with unused NATO funds

Students at 60 Chicago Public Schools soon will be getting lessons in growing food from a Boulder, Colo.-based nonprofit called The Kitchen [Community] (TKC).

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is turning over to CPS and TKC $1 million in unspent federal and private NATO host committee funds to “support the development of Learning Gardens” at schools across the city. According to the mayor, students will receive “hands-on” nutrition and science education organized by The Kitchen [Community].

TKC’s Learning Gardens are modular raised-bed “packages” that sell for $10,495 to $15,495.

“Learning Gardens are easy, affordable and scalable, and we’re thrilled to be planting them here in Chicago,” said Chef and TKC co-founder Kimbal Musk, an entrepreneur and restaurateur who has founded and advised several companies and non-profits including The Kitchen and The Kitchen Community, according to TKC’s website.

Learning Gardens already have been installed at: Ruiz Elementary, Benito Juarez Community Academy High School, Jonathan Burr Elementary, Mildred I. Lavizzo Elementary, Carter G. Woodson South Elementary, Sir Miles Davis Magnet Elementary Academy, Dawes Elementary, Nathanael Greene Elementary, Carl von Linne Elementary, Southside Occupational, Paul Laurence Dunbar Career Academy High School, Neal F Simeon Career Academy High School, Oliver S. Westcott Elementary, and Robert L. Grimes Elementary School.