Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Whalen.
Hi Kim, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m a seventh-generation farmer and a former public school teacher, so in many ways this work feels like a natural weaving together of both parts of my story. Growing up, I learned early how to care for the land and find wonder in the natural world. Around my grandparents’ table, I was also introduced to what I now know as the Slow Food way of life. They didn’t just grow food, they prepared it, shared it, celebrated it, and made sure there was always room for one more at the table.
As an adult, I started creating those same experiences in my own home and garden. Then, through a connection with parents who wanted to build a school garden, something clicked. I saw what happened when kids got their hands in the soil, tasted food they had grown, and learned outside the four walls of a classroom. From there, things really began to grow, and that journey eventually became the work I do today.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like any meaningful work, there have definitely been obstacles along the way. But the mission, growing healthier kids and a healthier world, has always been bigger than the barriers, and that purpose has a way of helping you keep moving forward.
Of course, there’s been plenty of red tape navigating school systems. Funding is always a challenge, and getting busy teachers onboard with one more thing can take time and trust. One of the biggest lessons has been learning that great school gardens can’t depend on one passionate person alone. Building sustainable systems, volunteers, leadership teams, funding plans, and shared ownership has been one of the hardest parts, but also one of the most important
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Grow Garden Grow?
Grow Garden Grow was created with a simple but powerful belief: when children grow food, they grow healthier, more connected, and more curious about the world around them. We help schools, educators, and communities create thriving, sustainable school garden programs that become true outdoor classrooms and gathering spaces.
What sets us apart is that we don’t just build gardens, we help grow systems that last. School gardens often begin with excitement but struggle to sustain momentum. That’s where Grow Garden Grow specializes. We support schools through consultation, professional development, curriculum integration, garden team development, edible education, cooking and tasting experiences, and hands-on mentorship with teachers and students. Our goal is to make school gardens part of school culture, not just an extra program.
We’re especially known for helping educators connect gardens to real learning. Whether it’s science, math, literacy, social studies, health, or environmental stewardship, we help schools turn gardens into spaces of discovery that support both academic outcomes and student well-being. We also believe deeply in the joy of food, planting it, harvesting it, preparing it, and sharing it together.
What makes Grow Garden Grow different is that our work comes from lived experience. I’m a former public-school teacher, a seventh-generation farmer, and someone who has spent years in school gardens alongside kids, teachers, and families. We understand the realities schools face—limited time, funding, teacher bandwidth—and we work alongside communities to build programs that are realistic, joyful, and sustainable.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Grow Garden Grow has become known for heart, authenticity, and community. We believe gardens grow much more than vegetables—they grow confidence, connection, healthier habits, stewardship, and hope. At the end of the day, we’re working toward a healthier world, one garden at a time
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love how people are very friendly in Dallas. Most of my life time friends are from here. I wish we were more environmentally minded, but there is a small but mighty group of people and school garden children who are growing change.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://growgardengrow.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grow_garden_grow?igsh=MWtxNGY3cDZveHkzag%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbRgELzRM/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-whalen-6b247a123?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@growgardengrow2023?si=OVchLtOEgxN9Ivx5
