The first round of seedlings, grown by the College Environmental Group for distribution to primary schools, were recently delivered to East Tamaki Primary School to assist with their ‘Garden to Table’ programme. On a visit to the school, Year 11 students, Maximilian Ballard and Nicholas Allen, and Year 12 student, Kristina Tipene presented the seedlings to the Year 6 representatives and Principal, Ms Sarah Mirams to be planted in their school garden.

Garden to Table is a programme found mainly in primary schools which aims to change the way children approach and think about food. The hope is that over the next few years, Garden to Table will encourage children across the country to enthusiastically get their hands dirty and learn how to grow, harvest, prepare and share fresh, seasonal food.

The College Environmental Group is working to support these local schools who have embraced the programme as part of their educational curriculum. One of their goals this year is to encourage sustainability and the programme is one way they can help serve others and promote sustainable living.

With the support of Mr Fullerton and his horticulture experience, the group has undertaken to seed and grow over 400 seedlings for four local primary schools. The seedlings are a mix of cabbage, pak choy, broccoli, lettuce, basil and parsley – all seasonal vegetables for this time of year. The fundamental philosophy that underpins the Garden to Table programme is ‘that by setting good examples and engaging children’s curiosity, as well as their energy and their taste buds, we can provide positive and memorable food experiences that will form the basis of positive lifelong eating habits.’

The Group hopes to deliver more plants over the next three weeks as well as planting some native seedlings for ‘Trees for Survival’, an environmental education programme which involves young people growing and planting native trees to help landowners re-vegetate erosion prone land, improve stream flow and water quality, and increase biodiversity.

For more information on the Garden to Table programme visit http://www.gardentotable.org.nz/
For more information on the Trees for Survival programme visit http://www.tfsnz.org.nz/

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