ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL in Santa Ana is planting a bright future for its students, teaching them everything they need to know about nutrition, economics and sustainability in a hands-on way — by taking care of their own garden.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY AND CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CALIFORNIA VISIT ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL FOR CCOC’S CALFRESH HEALTHY LIVING NEW SUMMER PROGRAM. PHOTOS BY SLAV ZATOKA/CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY
Mr. Rogelio Barrera, or as his students like to call him, Mr. B, decided to revamp St. Joseph Catholic School’s garden. Although the garden is still in its early stages of becoming fully flourished, it brings incredible joy and excitement to the students. Mr. B explained the students are always asking to plant new fruits or vegetables, and how it adds something special to their day.
The dedicated teacher and role model thought of this project as a way for the students to connect with nature, while providing a pragmatic way for them to learn where food comes from, the benefits and details of nutrition and the economic factors of owning a garden.
PRINCIPAL OF ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL, SONIA RAMIREZ, GIVES CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY AND CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF CALIFORNIA A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL.
“Our approach was rooted in teaching students the fundamentals of entrepreneurship,” said Mr. B. “We structured our class to help students understand key concepts like budgeting, marketing and sales. Each student group was tasked with developing a product or service to sell in a fundraising event we called Entrepreneur Day. The proceeds from this event were then used to support the garden.”
He went on to describe the future impacts this project can have for the students.
ST. JOSEPH CATHOLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS HELP WATER THE NEW GARDEN. PHOTO BY SLAV ZATOKA/CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY
“This experience gave students valuable entrepreneurial skills that will benefit them in the future, such as problem-solving, teamwork and financial literacy.”
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food insecurity affected about 15% of households with children in 2020, and one in six children in America struggle with hunger.
This new garden project paves a way for children to learn how to create resources to grow food, highlighting health and sustainability, while being a possible pathway to help children with food security.
Catholic Charities of Orange County’s (CCOC) CalFresh Healthy Living Team created a program to educate the students of St. Joseph Catholic School about soil, roots and the world of gardening. This initiative supported by Catholic Charities of California, was an approved pilot summer program that will lead to an ongoing partnership during the 2024-2025 academic year.
The first few classes of the program were held during the new stages of the re-envisioned garden, providing insight and hands-on experience for the students.
Catholic Charities of California scheduled a site visit and was excited to see the program in action, and how the new garden at St. Joseph Catholic School is transforming the way the students see education and learning.
Natalie Lanning, Nutrition Programs Senior Manager of Catholic Charities of California, described CCOC’s Cal-Fresh Healthy Living programs’ overall goals and objectives when it comes to the students of St. Joseph Catholic School.
“This initiative is something new for Catholic Charities of Orange County to really work with youth in the capacity to connect gardening and where food is grown,” said Lanning. “We see the kids now learning where the food comes from and how that impacts their health. And how to grow food and have those hands-on experiences. So, they are getting time in the garden but also learning about nutrition. That goes hand in hand in improving their food security in the long-term going forward and bringing that information home to their families. We are seeing not just an impact with our students but with our families as a whole.”
Lanning went on to say, “I am most impressed with the involvement from everyone. From the principal to the teacher that leads this effort, to the students’ involvement. Really what makes this a successful gardening initiative at schools is the involvement of everyone.”
St. Joseph’s Catholic School’s principal, Sonia Ramirez, expressed her excitement for this initiative.
“We are very overwhelmed by the interest from the students, parents and even teachers,” she said. “And at the school, we try and nurture our students to find their God-given gifts and talents.”
She also expressed her gratitude for Mr. B’s hard work and creativity.
“I’ll give the credit to him…he has been the pioneer for this project,” Ramirez added. “I think that is his gift.
You can see the glow. He comes on Saturdays or Sundays; you don’t really see teachers doing that unless this is really their gift.”
Mr. B. also shared his thoughts on what he thinks the garden will bring to the school community.
“I believe this project has a lasting impact by fostering a sense of responsibility and community involvement in our students,” he said. “It also demonstrates the practical application of their education, making their learning experience more meaningful and relevant.”
His dedication to St. Joseph Catholic School and the community shines through this beautiful garden and impactful initiative.