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Friday, November 13, 2026Nov 13

Chattanooga Center for the Creative Arts seniors plant ideas for healthier food options

photo Center for the Creative Arts seniors Sarah Griffin, Emi Brogdon and Mary Feely are helping start a community garden at the school and educating younger students about making healthy food choices through the Cafeteria Conversations project. Photo by Emily Crisman

Seniors at Chattanooga Center for the Creative Arts are starting a community garden at the school as a result of the Cafeteria Conversations program organized by the city of Chattanooga’s Department of Education, Arts and Culture.

For nearly a year, weekly lunchtime conversations have been held at the school regarding healthy food choices, community gardening, locally grown and organic foods and nutrition.

“When the idea of beginning a school garden came up, many of us seniors became excited,” said CCA student Emi Brogdon.

Local farmers and the Chattanooga Market have agreed to donate supplies such as plants, seeds and shovels for the garden, which eliminated the need for a fundraiser the students had originally planned to organize.

“We want to make sure we have as many resources as possible,” said Sarah Malone, CCA community service and parent coordinator.