Kristin is one of nearly 300 schools across Aotearoa, New Zealand, that has a Garden to Table Programme running for primary school students. In the past year alone, Garden to Table engaged over 32,000 children, who spent over 55,000 hours in gardens and kitchens and consumed over 1 million vegetable-based meals.
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“I love making and eating yummy food like pizzas with the basil we picked from the garden. I have learnt a lot about how to grow seeds into plants that we can eat. I have also learnt a lot of ways to cut food safely so now I like to help at home and teach my sister.” - Year 4 Student
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The group focuses on two sides of producing a meal; planting, growing, maintaining and harvesting crops from the multiple school gardens and compost bins we have at Kristin - the garden; techniques and safety methods along with other practical cooking skills, comprehending instructions, learning how to utilise all sorts of fruits, vegetables and herbs in healthy and most importantly delicious meals - the table.Â
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“My favourite thing about Garden to Table is watching the seeds grow into a plant. I really like taking home the vegies that I helped grow from seedlings to show my family.” - Year 5 Student
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The Garden to Table movement not only promotes healthy eating habits and environmental sustainability from a young age. The group fosters a sense of community and cultural identity by encouraging people to grow, harvest, prepare, and share food. This club contributes to Kristin's broader sustainability efforts and Enviroschool status, providing a holistic approach to environmental education and sustainable living practices.
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