New Canaan High School Junior Helps Launch Urban Gardening Initiative

Information via Groundwork Bridgeport

NEW CANAAN, CT — A New Canaan High School student recently helped lead a project transforming unused urban spaces into vibrant gardens at three Bridgeport preschools.

According to a news release provided by Groundwork Bridgeport, three preschools in Bridgeport have transformed unused spaces into vibrant gardens, led by New Canaan High School junior and youth food advocate Zane Tickoo, as well as Jessica Rosario of Groundwork Bridgeport and Diego Osses of Green Village Initiative.

These gardens are not only spaces for growing food but also serve as living classrooms and community gathering spaces in urban areas facing significant barriers to food access, according to Groundwork Bridgeport.

According to the organization, Tickoo is a food advocate focused on agricultural reform and sustainability with a particular emphasis on urban food systems.

"With hands-on farm experience and deep expertise in food systems, he believes food literacy and diversity are crucial for public health, the environment, and the economy," the release reads. "Zane collaborates with government organizations, non-profits, and local community groups to create a more sustainable and equitable food system."

With over 30 percent of Bridgeport residents experiencing food insecurity, access to fresh and nutritious food remains a pressing issue, according to Groundwork Bridgeport.

The Bridgeport Early Learning Center Garden Initiative seeks to address this by introducing young children to gardening and healthy eating, with a focus on building food literacy and environmental stewardship. The project includes raised garden beds in preschools to teach students about food production and sustainability, according to Groundwork Bridgeport.

Each participating preschool faced unique building challenges. At Bright Giggles Learning Center, a sunny playground corner was transformed into a flourishing garden, according to Groundwork Bridgeport.

At Hall Neighborhood House, a rain barrel and hex beds were installed on rubber flooring to make the garden sustainable. Precious Memories Early Education Center also installed hex beds directly on concrete, overcoming limited green space.

"These gardens have brightened our space and expanded our students' horizons," Sandrie Blanc, director of Bright Giggles Learning Center, said in a news release. "Our children now look forward to watering plants and observing growth—it's brought curiosity and care into their daily routine."

The initiative was a collaborative effort. Funding from the Newman's Own Foundation (via GVI) supported the technical design, and Tickoo developed the SEEDS Teacher Training Workshop, which equips educators with tools to integrate plant education into their curriculum. Groundwork Bridgeport played a key role in the construction and ongoing support of the gardens, according to the organization.

"This project isn't just about planting seeds in the ground; it's about planting seeds of connection—between people, cultures, and urban spaces," Tickoo said in a news release.

"These gardens demonstrate how even overlooked spaces can become vibrant, purposeful parts of the city," Osses said in a news release. "They show how small, positive changes in urban environments can lead to lasting community impact."

"By teaching young people not only about food but also about their ability to create change, we're giving them the tools to help build healthier, more sustainable communities," Rosario said in a news release.

The gardens have already impacted over 500 families by providing access to fresh produce while strengthening connections between schools and local communities, according to Groundwork Bridgeport.

"Our garden has become more than a learning space; it’s bringing families together," Hector Burgos, early learning director at Hall Neighborhood House, said in a news release. "Children are sharing their excitement about gardening at home, sparking conversations about healthy eating."

The program is set to expand to additional preschools to reach 1,000 families. Future plans also include implementing water conservation systems at additional sites and exploring other urban spaces like rooftops, according to Groundwork Bridgeport.

The goal is to create a network of sustainable gardens that serve as both educational spaces and community hubs.

The Bridgeport Early Learning Center Garden Initiative challenges the notion that food deserts must remain barren. The project offers a new vision—where food literacy, environmental stewardship, and sustainability education grow side by side, according to Groundwork Bridgeport.

Groundwork Bridgeport is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to regenerating and improving the physical environment by empowering individuals, businesses, and organizations to promote environmental, economic, and social well-being.