From Garden to Plate: Cultivating Young Minds and Healthy Eating

As an ambassador for the Garden to Table program, I’ve seen firsthand how this school-based initiative helps kids develop essential gardening skills, learn to cook, and cultivate a taste for nutritious fruits and vegetables they’ve grown themselves. The program’s mission is to empower children to grow, harvest, prepare, and share food, fostering a deep connection with the source of their meals and promoting lifelong learning.

The Garden to Table Experience

In Garden to Table classes, students are divided into two groups. One group works in the garden, where they plant, weed, compost, and harvest vegetables and fruits. Meanwhile, the other group is in the kitchen, cooking the freshly harvested produce. At the end of the class, the students come together to share their experiences and enjoy the meal they’ve collectively created.

Learning Beyond the Surface

While the Garden to Table program may seem simple on the surface, there’s a wealth of learning happening beneath:

Math and Science: Students learn to dilute worm fertilizer and understand the science behind cooking, such as why steam rises when liquid is added to a pan.
Language: Children expand their vocabulary by learning terms like “mycologist” (a mushroom expert) and discovering alternative names for herbs like coriander.
Problem-Solving and Teamwork: The program encourages students to work together, solve problems, and share their knowledge and experiences.
Subtle Lessons: Kids unconsciously absorb valuable lessons about where food comes from, how it gets from the garden to the plate, and that plant-based foods are not only nutritious but also delicious.

Firsthand Observations

Having visited numerous Garden to Table classes, I’ve witnessed kids harvest silverbeet, herbs, and salad from the garden and transform them into silverbeet potsticker dumplings and imaginative salads. The enthusiasm with which the children devour these dishes is a testament to the program’s success. When kids are involved in the growing and cooking process, they’re much more likely to enjoy and appreciate their meals.

Harvest-Led Menus and Real-Life Learning

Maria, a dedicated Garden to Table educator, emphasizes the importance of keeping an open dialogue about what’s coming out of the garden and how it can be used in the kitchen. She crafts delicious recipes based on the seasonal bounty, often using humble greens like silverbeet, spinach, and kale. Maria loves seeing learning come to life in the kitchen as meals are prepared, cooked, and enjoyed.

Garden to Table provides real-life learning experiences for children. For example, when making pizza, students must read and interpret the recipe, measure ingredients by weight and volume, and calculate the amount of dough needed. Numeracy and literacy skills are developed organically, and kids eagerly absorb this knowledge.

The Ripple Effect

The impact of the Garden to Table program extends far beyond the school gates. Maria has observed a ripple effect that spreads through families and communities, with everyone getting involved in the incredible learning experiences offered by the program. She encourages her students to share their newfound knowledge at home, fostering conversations about their Garden to Table activities.

The transformation in the children is inspiring. Students who may initially be reluctant to try new things become confident and eager to experiment with different foods. They identify various types of produce, share their learning at home, and even cook meals for their families. These lessons stick with the children throughout their education and into adulthood, equipping them with essential life skills.

Maria’s ultimate goal is to see the Garden to Table program implemented in every primary school. The value of the program is evident in action, and she believes it has the power to change generations.

For more information about the Garden to Table program, visit their official website here.