2025 Pollinators: Stelly’s Secondary

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 Stelly’s Secondary used their award to celebrate community and local food.

At Stelly’s Secondary, teacher Eric Schofield used the grant to create a series of rich, hands-on experiences that connected students with local food systems and the W̱SÁNEĆ community on so-called Vancouver Island. With endless ideas for learning and exploring food systems, Eric reached out to local partners and designed two unique events.

The first experience brought inspiration into the school kitchen. Chef Dan Hayes, from Moosemeat & Marmalade, arrived at 8 AM with a cottontail rabbit, a Canadian goose, and two ducks. Together with a group of students, Dan prepared dishes from the Take A Bite of BC program, plating more than 30 entrees. The students then joined Elder Carl Olsen in the cultural room to enjoy lunch, blending culinary creativity with cultural connection.

The second experience took place on the final day of classes, following a thorough cleaning of the commercial kitchen. Eric selected 24 students who had shown commitment, courage, resilience, creativity, communication, and passion in the culinary arts over the year. The group visited Harvest Rd., owned by Jenni Michell of Michell Farms, where they shared reflections on their learning, listened to Jenni’s story, and enjoyed a meal showcasing local ingredients amid the beauty of the Peninsula.

Thanks to Farm to School BC, Stelly’s Secondary students had the opportunity to explore local food, build meaningful community connections, and celebrate the importance of allyship, cooperation, and hope — all while developing their skills and appreciation for the people and systems that nourish us.