School And Community Gardens Teach Urban Students To Thrive

NPR: Healthy Eaters, Strong Minds: What School Gardens Teach Kids

People who live in low-income urban areas tend not to have access to the green spaces that are more easily found in rural and suburban communities. But the lack of connection with nature in concrete jungles is changing, according to NPR's Paige Pfleger. Across the country, various eco-non-profits are populating community centers and high schools with communal gardens.

In Washington, D.C., City Blossoms gives local teens hands-on experience developing a green thumb while learning about nutrition, science and math. What's more, Pfleger reports, the program also teaches business sense -- students sell their produce at a neighborhood farmer's market.

"I used to spend money on anything, mainly junk food," said Roshawn Little, a junior at Eastern Senior High School and a worker in the City Blossoms Community Garden. "Now, as I'm working here, I learned how to use my money more responsibly."

MORE:

New York Times: Local Ugandan Organization Helping Mothers Living With HIV

Upworthy: Puerto Ricans Developed A Savvy Plan To Revitalize The Island's Economy.

NationSwell: A Local Leader Pushes New York City's Urban Farm Movement