LOS ANGELES — Teen stress levels are higher than ever, with 57% of female students and 29% of male students reporting feeling hopeless, according to 2023 CDC research.

FREE LA High School at the Youth Justice Coalition in South Los Angeles implemented a garden to help their students learn about healthy eating and develop a way of reducing stress. 

Research shows gardening is a natural mood booster, lowering people’s anxiety and increasing confidence — all areas students benefit from.