The HEAL Project

Our Mission and Vision

Our mission is to teach kids where their food comes from and why it matters.

We believe that everyone should have access to quality food systems education.  We see food and how it's grown as central to the health of the individual and the planet.

We envision a world where everyone understands the connection between our food, our health and our environment.

Our Work

The HEAL Project delivers hands-on programs for Coastside and San Mateo County youth designed to grow their Health, Environmental, and Agricultural Literacy.  Starting with a single school garden program at Hatch Elementary School in 2005, we've grown to serve all 2nd and 3rd graders in Cabrillo Unified School District with 26 weeks of small group, garden based science education.  

Since 2010 we've operated the San Mateo County School Farm, where students from every corner of the county can visit to learn about the same topics in our school garden program.  Last year, more than 3,600 students visited for a field trip, many of whom visited for free or at a reduced cost thanks to our tiered field trip pricing.  

We also offer summer camps, volunteer opportunities, and sell at the Coastside Farmers' Market with the help of our school garden program graduates. 

Our Coastside Gives 2025 Campaign and our 20th Anniversary

2025 is the 10th anniversary of Coastside Gives and the 20th anniversary of the founding of The HEAL Project!  We have an ambitious goal to raise $45,000 this year during Coastside Gives.  Our educational programs truly would not be possible without donor support- please consider supporting us during this pivotal anniversary year!  

Thanks to two very generous donors, we are excited to offer a 1:1 match for any and all donations up to $20,000 between April 1 and May 1.  During our Power Hour, we also have a DOUBLE MACTH! Any donations made during our Power Hour will be TRIPLED up to $5,000!  Power Hour Donors include TomKat Ranch Educational Foundation ($1,500.) 

We can't reach our goal without you.  Help us grow! 

🌱$20 provides cooking ingredients for one farm field trip

🌱$50 provides enough potting soil for one month’s worth of farm starts

🌱$100 provides seeds and starts for one semester of the Intensive Garden Program at one school

🌱$250 provides one new kid-friendly wheelbarrow

🌱$750 sponsors a field trip to the Farm for an entire class or pays for a bus for a school in need!

 Join Us on the Farm 

We want to see you on the Farm during our 20th anniversary year!  We're hosting community workshops, volunteer days, and delicious farm dinners.  Check out website for upcoming opportunities.