The P.E.A.C.E. Projects is an initiative to sponsor and mentor early childhood educators, in promoting peace education for young children in the classroom.
P.E.A.C.E. Projects 2025
Creative Spirit Learning Center — Fair Oaks, California
By Aubrey Budelli
At the Creative Spirit Learning Center, community is at the heart of everything we do. When we were awarded an $800 grant from the Peace Organization, we saw an opportunity to further connect our school with the families and neighbors around us. Inspired by the success of our existing Little Free Library—a beloved community addition providing fairy tales to children of all ages—we envisioned a second library structure that would provide food for those same families.
Our goal was simple but powerful: to create a space where families could both give and receive home grown or excess food items, emphasizing the values of sharing, empathy, and sustainability. We believe peace is built not only through conflict resolution, but through intentional acts of care for others. A food share library, accessible to all, models this beautifully for our children and our community. Think of things like grapes, lemons, zucchini, peaches, squash and fresh eggs!
The Process
We began by purchasing a Little Free Library structure that would double as a weather-safe food pantry for $450. Wanting it to be both functional and inviting, we used $200 of the grant to have it artistically painted in bright, welcoming colors that symbolize abundance and joy. It now stands proudly near the entrance of our school, a visual reminder of kindness and community care.
With the remaining $150, we gifted our teachers an opportunity to visit Green Acres, a local plant nursery known for its sustainable gardening practices. There, they chose orange and peach trees, a lemon tree, grape vines, and more tomato plants than we had room for. We also visited the seed library at our local Orangevale Library and left with great finds like mint, squash, zucchini, and even pumpkins! These are free seeds that the local food bank gives to the library to further sustainability within the community. None of these were just decorative additions; they were seeds of future learning.
Our garden is now beginning to flourish with fruits and vegetables that the children will help water, harvest, and place into the food share pantry. This integration of garden-to-table learning allows our littles to see the full circle of giving—from planting and tending, to harvesting and offering. It also opens daily conversations about nutrition, generosity, and interdependence.
The Impact
The food share library is more than a pantry—it’s a statement. It says, “There is enough. Take what you need, give what you can.” Children see their teachers modeling care for both plants and people. Families quietly contribute non-perishables or take home a few tomatoes for dinner. Our trees remind us that with a little sunlight and patience, something small can grow into something nourishing.
This project, funded by the Peace Organization, has allowed us to plant both literal and metaphorical seeds of peace in our community. And as those trees take root, we know the lessons they teach our children will grow, too.
We encourage you to donate and contribute to the continuation of our P.E.A.C.E. Projects.
