our story

Seeds to Plate began in the Fall of 2009 with just four volunteers. These volunteers coordinated with administrators to revive a ½ acre abandoned garden at MTMS, and met with teachers to figure out how to bring together gardening work and classroom material. From what started out as a "salad garden" with two sixth grade classes has grown into a full, vibrant garden that welcomes hundreds of students every week! 

On a daily basis, students can come to the garden during lunch and nutrition-recess to work on garden projects or cook. On a weekly basis, students learn how growing and preparing food fits into what they are studying in history, math, science, and English classes. The after school Garden Club allows students the opportunity to explore the garden in-depth in a structured environment. Outside of garden lessons, students sample produce from the garden with food tastings in the cafeteria, serving  kale chips, green salads, sautéed swiss chard, and pasta with our homemade cheese.

Our program is enhanced with our UCLA partners—Pediatric Residents, Interns and Volunteers—who teach special classes and small group sessions.  The UC Global Food Initiative has allowed us to expand our work to address food waste on campus and build leadership skills amongst the Latino parents.

Connecting to our local community, we bring local farmers to the classroom to teach about their businesses, and chefs to teach the chemistry of cheesemaking. We hosted summer programs with the restaurant Gjelina to teach entrepreneurship. As a co-founder of the Mar Vista/Venice Green Team, Seeds to Plate strives to make our academic curriculum-based program a model for other schools in the LAUSD.