Use this text to encourage children to be sensitive and aware of the needs in their communities and guide them to develop solutions, however small. Learn about Haki Farms, who donates the food they grow to the Lacey Food Pantry and whose mission is to support Black, Indigenous and People of Color in cultivating their ancestral knowledge of food sovereignty.
From the Publisher: Harlem Grown tells the inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in a neighborhood. After seeing how restless they were and their lack of healthy food options, Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful and functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful while learning about healthy, sustainable eating and collaboration.
Five years later, the kids and their parents, with the support of the Harlem Grown staff, grow thousands of pounds of fruits and vegetables a year. All of it is given to the kids and their families. The incredible story is vividly brought to life with Jessie Hartland’s “charmingly busy art” (Booklist) that readers will pore over in search of new details as they revisit this poignant and uplifting tale over and over again.
Harlem Grown is an independent, not-for-profit organization. The author’s share of the proceeds from the sale of this book go directly to Harlem Grown.
How many vegetables can we name? Let's make a list and put a star next to the ones we like the most.
Some people aren't able to get healthy fruits and vegetables. Do you think everyone should be able to eat healthy foods?
What did it take for Mr. Tony to carry out his plan of action? What skills, qualities and strategies did he use?
What can we do to help everyone in our family and community have fruits and vegetables?
What are other things people need to live healthy lives? Does everyone in our community have those things? What can we do to help with that?
For the Month of April, we are focusing on thinking about our communities and what the people who live here might need.
Students will recognize that power and privilege influence relationships on interpersonal, intergroup and institutional levels and consider how they have been affected by those dynamics. (Justice 14)
Students will identify figures, groups, events and a variety of strategies and philosophies relevant to the history of social justice around the world. (Justice 15)
Students will plan and carry out collective action against bias and injustice in the world and will evaluate what strategies are most effective. (Action 20)
Go here to learn more about the Learning Goals, The Social Justice Standards