


Teachers continue to recognize the importance of teaching children how plants grow, and many want to expand their learning beyond the stryofoam cup. (Bernaditte Huys, 1998)
Many schools within HRCE have outdoor school food gardens in which students play an active role to ensure the success of the garden. There are many benefits of school food gardens one of which students learn about food and where it comes from.
There are many school food gardening resources available through the HRCE library (libraryorders@hrce.ca) and can be sent to schools through inter-school mail.
Resources are also available from the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture including the Nova Scotia School Garden Resource Guide. This guide includes advice on starting a school food garden, resources available to schools in Nova Scotia and curriculum links which can integrate the garden into lesson plans.
Edible School Gardens provide a hands-on learning opportunity that can be integrated into the school curriculum. Financial support is available to HRCE schools to build and/or maintain an Edible School Garden. All HRCE schools who apply will be considered for funding.
The amount of funding awarded will be dependent on the number of HRCE schools who apply (up to a maximum of $1000 per school).
To qualify for funding, your Edible School Garden must:
The HRSB Edible School Garden Funding Application is open until Friday, March 31, 2017. Successful applicants will be notified in early April. For more information and resources on Edible School Gardens, go to: https://nourishns.ca/program-resources/edible-gardens
For more information or support, please contact, Kelly Sherwood, HRCE School Nutritionist, ksherwood@hrce.ca or (902) 464-2000 x2180.