School Garden Network

05/29/2026

🌱 A major step forward for California students.
AB 2158, the Outdoor Learning and Environmental Literacy Act of 2026, just passed the California Assembly Floor on 5/27/26 with a strong bipartisan vote of 61-0 and no opposition. The bill recognizes outdoor learning as a powerful, evidence-based strategy to improve student focus, mental health, academic achievement, and equity, while preserving full local control. It is jointly authored by Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) and Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach) and backed by 6 bipartisan, bicameral co-authors and 600+ organizations and individuals statewide.
Why this matters: Outdoor learning
🧠 Matches medication-level focus for kids with ADHD
❤️ Reduces chronic stress, anxiety, and depression
📚 Improves academic outcomes across subjects
⚖️ Benefits students of color and low-income students the most
💰 Green schoolyards return $3 for every $1 invested
AB 2158 now heads to the Senate Education Committee, with a hearing expected as early as June 10.
More information:
- Ten Strands’ Campaign site: caoutdoorlearning.org
- Sign the letter of support and opt in to join the coalition: bit.ly/2158yes
- Research case for outdoor learning: bit.ly/4dKwIRX

05/29/2026

TAKE ACTION: Tell your legislator to support the Scratch Cooked Meals for Students Act today! Click here https://win.newmode.net/chefannfoundation/scratchcookedmealsforstudentsact to send a message to your legislator.

Right now, over 60% of a typical child's diet consists of ultraprocessed foods, impacting their health and academic performance. Schools want to serve fresh, whole foods, but they need the resources to do it.

Introduced by Rep Jahana Hayes, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, Congresswoman Julia Brownley, and Senator Adam Schiff, this bipartisan bill will provide vital grants to upgrade school kitchens, train school food professionals, and create the systemic change it takes to cook school meals from scratch.

Getting schools cooking is one of the smartest investments we can make in our kids. Don't wait — make your voice heard today!

05/29/2026

05/29/2026

✏️ Diagnose the kind of support your educators need and empower them to make decisions to perform their best. Thank you to our amazing presenter, Jenna Mobley, for sharing language and frameworks to create cultures of feedback with clear expectations while building relationships and nurturing a growth mindset.

The recording for "Managing, Coaching, and Leading: Tools for Empowering School Garden Educators" is now available in our Recording Library: sgsonetwork.org/managing-leading-coaching/
Explore upcoming 2026 Growing School Gardens Summit Webinar Series offerings: sgsonetwork.org/gsg-webinar-series-2026/

This webinar is part of the 2026 Growing School Gardens Summit Webinar Series, highlighting presenters from the 2026 Growing School Gardens Summitheld in Phoenix, Arizona. The series is hosted by the SGSO Network and@118524621553388 and generously funded by the@105115575720538

05/27/2026

🎉 Regional Teacher Conference Registration is Here! 🎉

We're excited to introduce our new format: smaller, local gatherings instead of one big event.

Connect and learn with fellow educators in your area!

Each conference includes:

✨ Hands-on workshops
🌾 Local farm field trips
📚 Classroom-ready resources

Join us for fresh ideas on enhancing agriculture education!

🗓️ Register now for $100: https://learnaboutag.org/programs/conference/

05/27/2026

We're aware of the dramatic budget cuts happening around the County and need your input to gauge how our local school garden positions and programs are being directly affected.

PLEASE FILL OUT THIS SURVEY AND LET US KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING AT YOUR SCHOOL: https://arcg.is/iSaX4

We're working hard to build capacity to do more to serve your gardens, and this data will be super helpful.

And please reach out if you need additional support keeping your garden going this Summer and Fall. SGN is here to help. 💜

05/27/2026

🌱 A big thanks to Sprouts Farmers Market for their $5,000 Growing Healthy Kids Grant! Through this funding SGN was able to support 40 Harvest of the Month (HOTM) lessons exploring 20 crop varieties - reaching 644 students and sourcing from 15 local farms!

Sponsors who also supported HOTM efforts in Petaluma and surrounding areas include NDGW Petaluma Parlor No. 222 and Sonoma County District 2.

05/27/2026

We loved opening the Sunday edition of the Press Democrat to read this feature highlighting Farm Trails members School Garden Network and Solar Punk Farms on their collaborative summer garden camp! With a focus on environmental education and inclusivity, the camp will bring middle schoolers to this innovative regenerative farm in Guerneville for a week of fun and a lifetime of inspiration. We'll be sharing a Member Spotlight on School Garden Network soon so stay tuned.

Read the article online: https://www.pressdemocrat.com/2026/05/21/a-garden-of-environmental-learning-inclusivity-this-summer-in-guerneville/

📷: Kent Porter / Press Democrat

05/26/2026

Check out these upcoming webinars from Leah's Pantry!

Trauma-Informed Nutrition Security: Building Resilience Through Food Programs
June 4th, 10-11am PT
This webinar will provide an overview of key concepts in trauma-informed nutrition and practical tools for building resilience in your programs and communities.
Register: https://leahspantrysf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Kz22BgtYQFGVHBlNgUfD4g?mc_cid=432798b278&mc_eid=83643d5437 #/registration

A Fresh Approach to Senior Nutrition: Integrating Trauma-Informed Care
June 25th, 10-11am PT
Learn about the unique nutritional and social needs of older adults. Explore trauma-informed strategies and resources to incorporate into senior food programs.
Register: https://leahspantrysf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ergg48IzRFmzLb7ESGX6fw?mc_cid=432798b278&mc_eid=83643d5437 #/registration

From Pantry to Plate: Nutrition Literacy for Food Distributions
July 10th, 10-11am PT
This webinar provides a shared language for staff and volunteers to communicate nutrition information, bust common food myths, and provide practical storage and dietary support for pantry guests.
Register: https://leahspantrysf-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E3mRanrdTPOSaPp9KvYDoQ?mc_cid=432798b278&mc_eid=83643d5437 #/registration

How do we bridge the gap between complex nutrition science and the daily reality of a food pantry? This 60-minute webinar is designed specifically for food bankers, SNAP-Ed staff, and pantry volunteers without formal nutrition backgrounds who support community health every day. We’ll begin by esta...

05/26/2026

Register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5017768889834/WN_DZFCLUCnROKGCY-6km5yCA?link_id=2&can_id=c06a24757592d693bce4b0527b490734&source=email-may-2&email_referrer=email_3236452&email_subject=growing-farm-to-school-business-tools-for-small-farms-field-days-with-us-senators-more&& #/registration