Educating Local Middle Schools about Pulses.

In northwest Arkansas, 41% of students qualify for free or reduced lunches. 1/4^th of the northwest Arkansas population lacks food security. In addition, few children are aware of the process required for food to be grown, transported, and cooked. A lack of knowledge about such processes encourages food waste and deprives them of skills necessary for sustainable living in a growing population given their socioeconomic status. We introduced gardens to several local schools that experience a large population of financially deficient students. We taught the students and faculty the skills necessary to grow several different types of pulses, including lentils, pinto beans, and chickpeas. The students and faculty were shown the various stages of pulse development while integrating discussion about the various uses of pulses as nitrogen fixers, cover crops, and nutrient rich vegetation. Furthermore, the students and faculty were taught how to cook meals rich in the nutrients and protein provided by the pulses. By teaching the faculty and students in underprivileged schools how to grow their own nutrient rich food, they can efficiently obtain nutrient requirements using minimal resources; doing this not only educates students about the process of growing plants and making smarter dietary choices but also enhances food security.