by Aaren Topley
Students have been back to school for over a month now, and they have had a chance to grow their own produce, and eat all the late summer and fall produce our region abundantly grows. With winter around the corner, school gardens are slowly growing less and we are getting into a roast vegetable and soup season.
Updates
Harvest4Knowledge Čəni̓ŋəɫ (to be planting)
In the spring schools laid down cardboard and leaf mulch to cover the area they were going to put a garden in this fall. At Spectrum Secondary School, a learning circle was held for teachers to connect and learn how to prepare and plant a camas bed. Over the last few months, students got to cover these areas in fresh soil and begin planting their camas meadows. Thanks to Saanich Native Plants, Kristen Miskelly and SD61, and Sarah Rhude for sharing their knowledge and to the Horner Foundation and Civil Forfeiture Society for funding these projects.
Grant Writing Workshop
On Tuesday October 2nd, Farm to School BC and Whole Foods Market held a grant writing workshop for two available Whole Kids Foundation grants. At this workshop teachers received support in grant writing. Check out their website to learn more.
Professional Development
On Friday October 19th from 12pm to 3pm Lifecycles Project Society, School District 61, Whole Foods Market and Farm to School BC are hosting Pro-D Day focused on Indigenous ways of knowing and winter gardening. There are only a few seats left, so register today!
Animator Reflection
This year ahead is looking as bright as ever! The amount of school gardens is growing and number of schools receiving local food is increasing. Our region has a lot to offer, and that is why we have selected to host the National Farm to Cafeteria Conference in May. It will be amazing!