School garden project enhancing nutrition education
Tue 11 November 2008
Chantel Vieritz, Journalism
Local children have been learning to grow, cook and enjoy their own nutritious produce with Slow Food Noosa’s School Kitchen Gardens project.
The School Kitchen Gardens project teaches students about the value of a healthy, home-cooked meal, giving them the skills to produce their own organic ingredients at home.
The project began in September 2007 with the creation of a permaculture garden at Noosaville Primary School.
The self-sufficient organic garden was designed by students, made with help from teachers and local volunteers.
The students were involved in caring for the garden until harvest time, when local chef and School Kitchen Gardens project sub-committee leader Katrina Ryan used their produce to demonstrate a variety of ways they could be used in healthy meals.
“As a chef, my main interest is to introduce children to vegetables and show them different ways to prepare them,” Ms Ryan said.
“As a mother of three children I am well aware how hard it can be to get children to actually like vegetables.”
Ms Ryan said the project encouraged appreciation and education regarding food among children.
“By going into the schools and getting the children to be part of the cooking process I hope to encourage them to experience new tastes and flavours,” Ms Ryan said.
“Getting the children involved with the growing, preparing and cooking helps to give them a sense of ownership and break down some of those innate fears about trying new foods.”
The project is funded by proceeds of Slow Food Noosa events and by donations from sponsors who are supporting the growth of the Slow Food movement on the Sunshine Coast.
The Slow Food movement started in Italy in 1986, encouraging the use of local eco-friendly produce to create healthy, appetising meals.
The movement promotes meals as events that allow families to spend time together while enjoying a proper meal, instead of eating pre-prepared food which lacks nutritious value and suits busy lifestyles.
“It is incredibly important for children to experience and develop an appreciation of the social and sharing aspects of meals,” Ms Ryan said.
“This is very much part of the Slow Food philosophy.
It is also an opportunity for conversation and to teach children table manners
which are sadly lacking in many teenagers.”
The Slow Food movement supports community values by promoting local organic produce while encouraging environmental conservation, quality family time and promoting awareness of eating patterns and discovering the pleasures of food.
Australian Plant Specialists’ Anita Matthews said organic gardening does not have the harsh effects on biodiversity that inorganic gardening can.
“Organic gardening doesn’t use harmful pesticides so there’s no chance of run-off getting into waterways,” Ms Matthews said.
“It’s much safer for the environment, and growing your own is a good way to save money on groceries too.”
Slow Food Noosa is helping young Sunshine Coast residents become aware of important values from an early age through the project.
This year Peregian Beach Community College also became involved in the project, with students already enjoying their new garden.
Image(s) designed by n/a