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Senate finance hears proposal to fund school gardens; sponsor says program now serves 416 Nevada schools
Summary
Advocates told the committee SB 104 would support school gardens and STEM learning; witnesses said Green Our Planet’s program reaches more than 250,000 students in 416 schools and produces measurable gains in STEM engagement and vegetable consumption.
Senator Julie Pizzina (Senate District 12) presented Senate Bill 104, which would appropriate funds to create and maintain school gardens statewide. An amendment reduced the proposed appropriation to $200,000 per fiscal year; sponsors told the committee that reduction was reflected in the revised fiscal note.
Former Senator Moe Dennis, representing Green Our Planet, told the committee that the organization operates in 416 Nevada schools and reaches roughly 250,000 students; he highlighted program metrics from the group’s impact study: “93 percent of students that participate have improved in STEM academic achievement after 1 year,” Dennis said, and “79 percent of the students increased their consumption of fresh vegetables and fruit.” Dennis described in‑school hydroponic systems, alignment with standards, and student farmers markets as educational and entrepreneurial experiences.
Witnesses from Green Our Planet and nonprofit partners said the program teaches nutrition, conservation and project‑based STEM learning, and that corporate partnerships and a WorkWell program produce revenue that is plowed back into sustaining school gardens. The Nevada Department of Education testified that with the amendment and the smaller appropriation its fiscal note would be limited to overtime for an education program professional to run a notice of funding opportunity and competitive reviews.
Multiple community callers and conservation groups testified in support; no opposition was recorded. Sponsors invited committee members to a student farmers market outside the legislative building to view student projects.
Ending: SB 104 would provide modest state funding to expand school garden programs that sponsors said already have statewide reach; the Department of Education indicated the amended appropriation would bring a manageable fiscal impact.
