Goshen Health has expanded its popular indoor tower garden program, now reaching more local schools. These garden units enable students to easily grow fresh, nutrient-rich food year-round in their classrooms. More than 4,000 students have participated in the program to date.
In 2024, Goshen Health funded 11 tower gardens in Goshen Community Schools. This year, 16 more gardens were provided to Elkhart and Concord Community Schools. Teachers incorporate the gardens into math, science, social studies, art, writing and problem-solving lessons.
“We’re excited to continue to partner with Goshen Health on this project. The gardens have helped introduce healthy behaviors and new foods to students. The ability to engage students and bring lesson plans alive with these gardens supports learning across the board,” said Wendy Swallow, District Coordinator of Nursing Services for Goshen Community Schools. “We are grateful to Goshen Health for continuing to make this project possible.”
Tower gardens are in the following schools: Beardsley, Beck, Bristol, Chamberlain, Cleveland, Concord Westside, Eastwood, Goshen High, Goshen Intermediate, Mary Daly, Mary Feeser, Model, Monger, Osolo, Parkside, Pinewood, Prairie View, Riverview, Roosevelt, Waterford, West Goshen and Woodland.
“We are proud to lead this collaborative effort with local schools to improve the health of our communities,” said Randy Christophel, Goshen Health President and Chief Executive Officer. “The feedback that we have received from teachers about the positive impact that the gardens have had on students reinforces our commitment to this program.”
For more information, email: CommunityEngagement@GoshenHealth.com.