By Sam DeLong
Nutrition and healthy living play a major role in long-term well-being, and developing those habits early can make a big difference. Reports released by Butte County Health Dept. between 2015–2019 found that obesity in Butte County adults has been climbing from 28.7% to more than 31% as of available data in 2023. The statistic also extended to children, with 1 in 3 considered overweight or obese in 2017.
A Chico-based program hopes to change that by helping kids build healthier relationships with food. Growing Resilient Optimism with Nature (GROWN) teaches students about nutrition, gardening and food responsibility—starting in the soil. The program is managed by Shelley Miller and operates through the Butte County Local Food Network (BCLFN).
Miller works with schools across the region, from preschool through high school. Funded through state grants, GROWN partners with teachers and administrators to integrate gardening and nutrition education into existing lessons. Program staff work alongside science and nutrition teachers in the classroom and school garden, giving students hands-on experience with growing food and learning where it comes from.
The program currently works with 10 schools in the area, with more coming onboard shortly. From preschools such as Mi Esquilita Maya and Little Sprouts, to grade schools such as Chapman Elementary and Chico’s Achieve Charter School, and high school level such as Ridgeview High School in Paradise, all receive a program tailored to the needs of the students and available land for gardening.
Started in 2022, GROWN runs five days a week, including during the summer. The amount of time spent at each school varies depending on the size and amount of participation of the campus. To initiate the program at a particular campus, Miller contacts school principals, sits in on staff meetings and works directly with teachers where needed. GROWN also collaborates with state and federal agencies, including the Food and Drug Administration.
Beyond teaching students about sustainable food systems, the program focuses on helping kids develop a healthier relationship with food. That can be especially important for at-risk students, many of whom benefit from the structure and hands-on nature of working outdoors.
“At Ridgeview, we have many students who are considered high-risk youth,” Miller said. “Learning to garden helps with mental health. Growing their own food and seeing the positive effects of eating what they grow gives them a purpose.”
Gardening can also provide a positive outlet for stress. Program organizers say the experience can help reduce unhealthy coping behaviors such as emotional eating and overeating—patterns that can contribute to depression and social isolation. Many students in the program also come from low-income households, where access to fresh, healthy food may be limited.
Community members can support the effort in several ways. Residents can drop off vegetable scraps for school garden composting at the GROWN booth during the year-round Wednesday Farmers Market located at North Valley Plaza. They can also volunteer time or other resources, alert Shelley Miller to potential campuses that could benefit from the garden program, or simply make a donation.
GROWN is one of several programs facilitated by BCLFN which has a general mission of raising awareness about access to healthy food. All of their programs welcome volunteers and donations and BCLFN hosts several community events. Besides their anticipated, annual farm-to-table dinner planned for September, they’ve added a springtime dinner in May, 2026 with a French-inspired menu.
For more information about GROWN’s compost drop-offs, volunteering or donating, visit GROWN online. Or visit Butte County Local Food Network to learn more about all of their programs and events.
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