A School Gardens Program is established within the Office of the State Superintendent of Education. The School Gardens Program shall: Coordinate the efforts of community organizations, the Department of Parks and Recreation, the District Department of the Environment, the District of Columbia Public Schools, the Department of General Services, the Public Charter School Board, and the University System of the District of Columbia to establish gardens as integral components of public schools and public charter schools; Complement the Food Production and Urban Gardens Program, established by § 48-402 ; Establish and convene a Garden Advisory Committee, composed of community organizations, District government agencies, and other interested persons; Collect data on the location and types of gardens in public schools and public charter schools; Provide horticultural guidance and technical assistance to public schools and public charter schools; Coordinate curricula for school gardens and related projects; Provide training, support, and assistance to gardens in public schools and public charter schools; and Assist public schools and public charter schools in receiving certification as U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon Schools. On or before June 30, 2012, the School Gardens Program shall issue a report to the Mayor, the Council, and the Healthy Schools and Youth Commission about the state of school gardens in the District of Columbia, plans for expanding them, and recommendations for improving the program. The University of the District of Columbia shall assist the School Gardens Program by providing technical expertise, curricula, and soil testing for school gardens. As permitted by federal law, when tests show that the soil is safe and when produce is handled safely, produce grown in school gardens may be identified and served to students at the school, including in the cafeteria. Produce grown in school gardens may be sold and the proceeds from such sales shall be expended for the benefit of the public school where the produce was grown. School gardens shall include a demonstration compost pile when feasible.
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