About From the Garden to the Table

The program was established in 1996 by Jeffrey Smith, Founder/CEO, to meet the challenge of reaching at-risk youth with critical skills in health through nutrition, food choice and preparation. The program features passionate instructors devoted to bringing a positive direction to the lives of youth. These individuals bring their experience, education, and expertise in surmounting the barriers found in communities where crime and gangs are commonplace. They know first hand what is needed to earn degrees and overcome the negative pressures of peers and gangs. FGTT has conducted classes in San Jose, Sacramento, San Francisco, and Oakland. The goal of FGTT is to be at the forefront of promoting the physical, mental, and spiritual/creative achievement and health of youth, through peers, families, schools, and communities grounded in organic and sustainable growing, cooking, and eating practicess

All children growing up in a nurturing and positive environment…

FGTT collaborates with business and community partners to create a school and neighborhood environment filled with wholesome food, opportunities for positive creative expression, and models of healthier life-styles with nurturing and caring mentors.

Learning about organic, fresh choices and how to become and stay healthy…

Each facet of this holistic program teaches critical life proficiencies. The nutrition and cooking series uses the freshest and cleanest ingredients available. Organic foods and ecologically safe cleaning products are emphasized in all lessons. Our purpose is to provide knowledge and skills that contribute to sustained improvement of our student's life and environment. Cravings for fast foods, sugar and sweets are replaced by awareness an appreciation of traditional foods. These foods are easily accessible in our students' communities and are prepared using the most artful and nutritious techniques.

And excelling in school and life!

Students of all cultural and social backgrounds will find identity in our classes. We want to reach our youth at all levels, from the most isolated and angry to those that are pampered and indifferent. Our programs facilitate their self-discovery and esteem with lessons that relate to their experiences. Through completing the From the Garden to the Table programs, all youth will be prepared to compete for employment in challenging and rewarding positions in the food and beverage and hospitality industry and to excel in school, their other chosen careers and life.

© Copyright 2005 From the Garden to the Table