Spanish-Speaking Parent Leadership Development

With funding from the UC Global Food Initiative, we are supporting the development the Spanish-speaking parent group, Latinos Unidos. Through exchanging information on nutrition, cooking, and the growing and traditional use of medicinal plants, we are working towards strengthening the collective voice of the Spanish-speaking parents at the school.

Mark Twain Food BANK

During the pandemic, Seeds to Plate pivoted to producing more food in the garden. Consequently, parents at Mark Twain mobilized to create a food bank, along with resources from LA Food Cycle. Together, the produce from the garden complemented from the dry goods from Food Cycle, Mark Twain is meeting the needs of its families.

Monthly Garden Workdays

Our monthly Saturday Garden Workdays, from September through June, are important to helping us maintain the garden.  It’s also a great opportunity learn about gardening, preparing vegetables from the garden, and for others to share their knowledge of gardening. These activities are a way for many families to give back to the school if they have busy schedules during the week. Volunteers also get to try our delicious and fresh harvest and see what our students have done in the garden! 

Parent Help in the Garden

We are always looking for support from parents in the garden, particularly at the beginning of the school year before we have our UC interns come. Parents can assist with classes or help with garden maintenance. All participation is welcome!

Gjelina good Food Program

In June 2016, Seeds to Plate, the Gjelina Volunteer Program, Mark Twain Middle School, and the Venice Boys and Girls Club teamed up with 20 students for a hands-on workshop to create their own restaurant.  These student interns designed their menu, learned to cooked an appetizer, entree and dessert, divided themselves into front of house and back of house staff, and served their family a three course meal in Mark Twain's Secret Garden.

 CAA Volunteer Program

Since 2017, volunteers from Creative Artists Agency come to Mark Twain Middle School to work in the garden. They work with the students to learn about gardening and nutrition in an engaging way.