Arkansas Department of Agriculture Announces Winners of the 2026 Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest

LITTLE ROCK, AR – The Arkansas Department of Agriculture, in partnership with Farm Credit, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest, aligned with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ proclamation naming October as Arkansas Farm to School Month. Schools across the state have celebrated this month by highlighting their gardens and farm to school activities that connect students with local food and agriculture. The contest, sponsored by Farm Credit, recognizes schools for their outstanding efforts in garden development, education, and community engagement.

This year’s winners are:

• Carolyn Lewis Elementary (Conway) – Best Overall School Garden ($1,000 award)
• Little Rock Christian Academy (Little Rock) – Best Education‑Based Garden ($1,000 award)
• Wild About Learning Academy (Bentonville) – Best Education Garden (Early Childhood) ($1,000 award)
• Yellville‑Summit Schools (Yellville) – Champion of Garden Sustainability ($1,000 award)
• Pulaski Heights Elementary (Little Rock) – Best Community Collaboration ($500 award)
• North Little Rock 6 – Agricultural & Veterinary Science Elementary (North Little Rock) – Best Harvest Partnership ($500 award)
• Nemo Vista High School (FCCLA) (Center Ridge) – Best Community Collaborative Garden ($500 award)
• Glenview Elementary (North Little Rock) – Best Start‑Up Garden ($500 award)

“When students plant a seed and care for it through harvest, they get a lesson that goes well beyond the garden – an appreciation for the hard work it takes to put food on the table,” said Governor Sanders. “These schools are bringing Arkansas’ agricultural traditions into the school day, giving kids a chance to learn hands-on, and try something they grew themselves. Congratulations to this year’s winners and the educators and community partners helping these gardens thrive.”

“We appreciate Governor Sanders and Farm Credit for their continued leadership in promoting farm to school efforts across Arkansas,” said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. “Farm to School Month is an important reminder of how integrating agriculture into our classrooms helps students understand where their food comes from and the essential role agriculture plays in their daily lives. We congratulate this year’s award recipients for their dedication to providing hands-on learning experiences that connect students directly to Arkansas agriculture.”

The contest is open to public and private K–12 schools, early childhood education facilities, and alternative learning environments. Applications are evaluated based on defined goals, incorporation of garden-based learning into the curriculum, community involvement, use of harvested produce, and strategies for long-term garden sustainability.

Governor Sanders’ proclamation of October as Arkansas Farm to School Month highlights the partnerships between schools, communities, and local producers that strengthen Arkansas agriculture and education.

For more information about the Arkansas Grown School Garden of the Year Contest and other farm to school initiatives, visit https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/food-and-nutrition/child-nutrition/farm-to-school/.

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Media Contact: Ayden Duncan, (501) 813-6012
[email protected]