Plot To Pot

The Growing Food In Schools networking event is for teachers, parents, pupils and helpers who are already involved in growing food in schools and those who would like to find out more about bringing healthy eating to school ground developments.  Representatives from 16 Highland primary schools and 11 secondary schools will be attending.

As well as providing advice and free resource materials to any schools wishing to start growing their own fruit and vegetables, pupils from Grantown Primary will give a presentation about their experiences of growing and eating their own food and there will be a chance for visit the High School’s food growing area.
 
During 2006 the Highland Environmental Network (HEN), with support from Awards For All Scotland and NHS Highland Food and Health Initiative, has been working closely with four Highland Schools on the “Plot to Pot” pilot – Munlochy Primary School, Caol Nursery in Fort William, Glenurquhart Childcare Centre and Charleston Academy Autistic Unit.

Toni Clark from the HEN said:  “This event marks the end of our Plot to Pot Project and by bringing the schools involved together to share their experiences will can learn more about the support which is needed for young people in nurseries and schools across the Highlands to grow, prepare and eat their own fruit and vegetables. It is a great way of introducing children to the processes of growing vegetables from seeds, teaching new skills and can also be used to develop strong links with the wider community by encouraging local organisations and volunteers to get involved.”

The Highland Council’s Chairman of Education, Culture and Sport, Councillor Andy Anderson said:   “I am delighted that the project has been a success and I encourage as many schools as possible to think about introducing growing containers in their school grounds.  Teaching in such a “hands-on” practical way about healthy eating and environmentally-friendly gardening has many advantages.  If children have grown the food themselves from seeds and then harvested it then they have a major incentive to try eating it.”