The School Garden Program is one of Grow Pittsburgh’s longest running and best known initiatives. With seven new Learning Gardens opening this spring, 37 schools throughout Allegheny County now benefit from having a garden on site!
In addition to garden classes for pre-k through high school students and supporting the teachers, getting students excited about cooking what they are growing has been a fundamental piece of this program.
big Burrito has been a generous supporter of Grow Pittsburgh for over a decade. Chef in the Garden is the brainchild of their Corporate Chef Bill Fuller, who started the program at the elementary school his children attended, Dilworth Traditional Academy. By combining cooking with storytelling, Chef Bill connects with students through demonstrations that use fresh ingredients growing in the school garden.
For eleven years running Chef Bill has volunteered his time to share jokes and his love of cooking with students to be self-sustaining by growing and cooking their food, even though his children are now in high school.
Jake Seltman, Grow Pittsburgh’s executive director has worked with Chef Bill since 2012. “Bill Fuller is the ultimate Grow Pittsburgh supporter and champion of the local food movement. From founding the Chef in the Garden program to running cooking classes at Pittsburgh Obama and hosting fundraisers for local organizations our city is lucky to have someone who is so deeply passionate about educating and inspiring the next generation.”
big Burrito Restaurant Group is once again supporting the School Garden Program with a build your own taco fundraiser at Mad Mex’s Shadyside location on Tuesday, April 17th. Jake and other members from the Grow Pittsburgh team will be there to share updates on the organization’s new gardens and strategic plan. Join us for great food. Limited tickets are available, so get yours today and don’t miss this opportunity to support school gardens.