With school budgets disappearing faster than glaciers at the poles, schools are eager to cut costs-which makes a school-sponsored garden perfect. It can serve as a science classroom, supply the cafeteria with ingredients, and there are virtually no start-up costs: all you need is a patch of land at the back of the schoolyard.

Encourage your child’s science teacher or school principal to consider starting one next September. There will be enough time to plant and harvest root vegetables, leafy greens, peas, carrots and beans before winter arrives, and you’ll be able to supplement your child’s nutrition education.

Learn more about schools bringing farm fresh food to their cafeterias at NRDC’s SimpleSteps.org.