Students Learn Garden Through "Green Up To Grow Up" Program

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The heat and humidity didn't stop some kids from working out in the garden today. The children took part in an event to promote healthy eating and exercise.

Fifth graders from Manchester Charter School checked out the fruit and vegetables they planted about a month ago.

"The plants were very small and now they are very big, and I see little tomatoes," said Javon Harris, one of the students.

"It's good to eat healthy because you don't want to be unhealthy and not active," added Tajtre Mitchell, another student.

The garden in Manchester along Fulton Street is part of the city's new "Green Up to Grow Up" program.

It's an initiative to teach city kids about healthy eating, a balanced diet and physical activity.

The program is getting a big boost, a $5,000 check from the American Beverage Association.

"The folks of this community are great, and this is a wonderful example of many things we've tried to do within Pittsburgh to try to green up the community and get young people involved," said Mayor Luke Ravenstahl, of the City of Pittsburgh.

Besides just seeing their plants progress, the kids had a chance to put the veggies to use. Students from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh made salsa for the kids.

The children also made smoothies with fresh fruit using a blender that's attached to a bicycle.

"They can see how easy it is to grow their own food and eat healthy, so that was something that they learned about during the school year also," said Mike Reid, a teacher at Manchester Charter School.

RELATED LINKS:
More Local News
More Reports by Sarah Arbogast