2025 Pollinators: Highland Park Elementary

This year, five schools nominated by their communities received a $1,300 grant along with their F2SBC Pollinator Award to host a local field trip or school food feast. Here’s how Highland Park Elementary used their award to explore and celebrate local food.

As 2025 F2SBC Pollinator Award recipients, students from Divisions 13 and 14 at Highland Park Elementary enjoyed a celebratory school bus trip to Ridge Meadows Farm. There, they connected with regional food systems by exploring the farm, learning about local food sources, feeding animals, and playing in the beautiful setting.

Teachers Mrs. Escobar and Ms. Petrie purchased a variety of BC-grown fruits and vegetables so students could enjoy a taste of fresh, local produce during the outing. Later that afternoon, the group supported a local business by sharing a pizza party, followed by playtime with friends at Maple Ridge Park.

With their award funds, the students were also able to host two more food celebrations. For one, Divisions 13 and 14 invited their fellow Grade 1 and 2 classmates to join them for an outdoor picnic featuring healthy foods (and a few treats). Their final celebration was a salad party, complete with fresh produce and lettuce harvested from their own school garden.

Thanks to Farm to School BC, Highland Park Elementary students were able to enjoy memorable experiences that celebrated, taught, and tasted local food. We are deeply grateful for the opportunities made possible by Farm to School BC’s generosity and for the recognition of our hard work in the school garden and community.

Thanks again, Farm to School BC!