The cooking and gardening program is a highlight for many 6th graders at Willard Middle School. Students visit the kitchen and garden monthly, where they work with their classmates tending to the garden and preparing fresh meals with garden produce. Students learn about the importance of soil health and our environment by getting their hands dirty sifting compost, planting seedlings, and harvesting garden produce.

In the kitchen, recipes highlight seasonal and fresh ingredients. Students practice essential knife and safety skills, prepare and cook their meal, and set their table to eat family style at the end of class. Some favorite 6th grade meals are squash tacos, fresh pasta, and dumplings.