Coast Guard, AgCenter pitch in at J.S. Aucoin garden

Like many schools, J.S. Aucoin Elementary had to put extracurriculars like garden club on the back burner during the height of COVID-19 pandemic.

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, from Marine Safety Unit Morgan City, answered the call when St. Mary Parish LSU AgCenter was looking for volunteers to bring the seven garden beds back to working condition.

Students have been eager to resume garden-based nutrition lessons.

Through LSU AgCenter SNAP-Ed lessons, students get to see their food go from seed to plate. Students learn healthy recipes, try new foods, and expand their gardening skills.

“J.S. Aucoin is excited to start our garden club this year after a 2-year hiatus with COVID restrictions. We are looking forward to planting, cultivating, and harvesting crops this year,” said Principal Shantell Toups, J.S. Aucoin Elementary.

“We would not be able to get started without the help of our friends from the U.S. Coast Guard. We are grateful for the help they provided to clean up our garden beds and get them ready for planting.”