NORTHRIDGE (CBSLA.com) — Special needs kids in Northridge planted seeds and built garden boxes on Friday to raise awareness for childhood obesity.

Students at Northpoint School will soon have fresh fruits and vegetables in their brand new teaching garden donated by the American Heart Association.

“It’s a place where kids can come and they can learn about putting a seed into the Earth, gathering energy from the sun, adding a little water, a little love, and nurturing that seed into whole food,” said Kelly Meyer from the American Heart Association.

The students, ages 6 to 18, were grateful to learn about teamwork through gardening.

“We’re trying to grow as a community and a school,” said student Erica Martinez. “It’s something really exciting for us. And a new experience. It’s learning how to work with each other.”