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W.O. Parmer Elementary School is planting the seeds of sustainability in its students through an innovative gardening project funded by a 21st Century Grant. 

“We wanted to teach the students about how to grow their own plants and produce, where they come from and how to care for them and keep them healthy,” said Stephanie Gregory, site director for the 21st Century program at the school.

The program has brought together educators, community members, and local businesses to create raised garden beds for the school’s afterschool program. Master Gardener and former teacher Linda Jarzyniecki emphasized the life skills students gain through gardening.

“I want the children to learn how to grow vegetables so they can be self-sufficient,” she said. “So they will learn sustainability, how to grow their own food and that food does not come from Walmart.”

The collaborative effort has included contributions from the Butler County Alabama Extension, Logan Bryant of Bryant Tree Service, who donated wooden pallets to build the beds, and Greenville’s Quality Co-op, which provided soil at a discount as well as free seeds and plants. Bill Taylor, a local stakeholder, volunteered his tools and time to construct the beds. 

“So today we have third grade students here helping to build [raised beds] and the planting will be done by pre-K through second grade,” said Butler County Extension Coordinator Sharlean Briggs. 

The garden will feature winter crops such as collards, radishes, peas and lettuce varieties. “Eventually, we’re going to have the lunchroom make a meal of this so the children can taste the fruits of their efforts,” Jarzyniecki added.