Growing Together at the 2026 School Garden Leadership Institute

June 2026

This June, Life Lab and Whole Kids, a project of the Whole Foods Market Foundation, proudly hosted the 2026 School Garden Leadership Institute in partnership with the SGSO Network. Over the course of an inspiring week, school garden leaders from across the country came together to learn, collaborate, and strengthen the future of garden-based education.

The annual Institute brings together teams that support school garden programs in their districts and regions, creating space to exchange ideas, share successful strategies, and develop resources that advance the national school garden movement.

Throughout the week, participants explored effective school garden program models, instructional practices, professional development, funding and staffing strategies, assessment tools, and long-term sustainability planning, and worked alongside fellow leaders to create action plans they can bring back to their communities.

By the close of the week, each team left with new ideas, stronger partnerships, practical tools, and a renewed commitment to supporting thriving school garden programs in their own communities.

As one participant shared:

"This was the best leadership institute I've ever been to. You carved out space for us to connect with each other. There were a variety of opportunities for us to learn, connect, play, eat, and talk with one another. Thank you so much for being intentional about everything."

We are grateful to every participant for bringing their passion, expertise, and generosity to this year's Institute, and we look forward to seeing the impact they create in the year ahead.