“Farm to School” takes the prize, “If we nourish, kids will flourish”

January 21, 2015 · 0 Comments

Members of Headwaters Food and Farming Alliance, (HFFA) led by the chair of the Education Literacy and Access Committee, Jennifer Payne, received a $5000 grant from Canadian Scholarship Trust (CST) plan’s Inspired Minds Learning Project, to support HFFA’s “Farm to School” program in the Headwaters. CST Branch Manager Cheryl Lynch presented the cheque to Payne and HFFA, amid participating farmers, teachers and students at Primrose Elementary School, one of the program’s first pilot schools, on January 15th.
Sylvia Boxem HFFA project lead, says, “The judges were so impressed by the project outline and its success so far… We were flabbergasted and so thrilled to get this vote of confidence – and the funds take some of the pressure off the fundraising part of our grant obligations.”
In her proposal for the CST grant, Payne put forth the mantra “If we nourish, kids will flourish,” affirming that the program would take student nutrition further by having actual farmers education children K-grades 6, about where their food comes and how it is produced on the farm as well as educating families on local food resources. The workshops, which include a trip to a farm, will be delivered by local farmers trained to educate in partnership with teachers.
Jennifer Payne says, “The program also includes a Local Food Club, where school families and staff can purchase memberships and receive monthly packs containing local food samples, feature recipes, tips for cooking with kids, information on food handling and contacts for the farms and producers who supplied the food. The pilot programs run until the end of December 2015. “
A congratulatory letter from CST, stated, “As a registered non-profit or charity, your organization has qualified to receive a grant in order to enrich children, ages of 0–10, in their educational experiences. Inspiring young minds is the goal of this competition and we applaud your organization in its efforts to create programs that will change the way children will grow, learn and develop…Therefore, CST will be donating $5,000 to your organization.”
HFFA is committed to supporting and growing the food system in the Headwaters community. Their vision statement aims for a food system that is “productive, sustainable, transparent, and fair; supports the health and well-being of our residents and food providers; and contributes to the prosperous and equitable economy.”
Shirley Boxem became aware of Jennifer’s interest at the 2013 Food Summit in Caledon. “She was the driver behind this getting started,” says Boxem. “She had the idea and the inspiration and really led the process – then the local food fund opportunity came up. Sylvia Cheuy lent us her grant writing skills and Jennifer defined the project. Jen has a long history as a foodie and bringing great initiatives to Primrose P.S. – the school her two girls attend.”
“People are actually distanced from fresh food in many cases,” says Boxem, “They are busy with kids and life and food out of a box is easier and in some cases cheaper. Changing people’s habits takes time. It’s the kids teaching their parents in some cases.”
HFFA recognizes this kind of learning as essential to community and beneficial at many levels. “The farmers are learning how to teach and are providing the produce too and being compensated,” says Boxem. “The kids are getting a new learning experience. Win win! Healthy communities are ones that are connected to their food in a meaningful way. For personal health, community health and well-being, we need to support the development of a robust and resilient local food system.”
The program will launch in the fall with three schools on board. To learn more or support the program visit action@headwaterscommunities.ca and link to food@headwaterscommunities.org. Those interested in HFFA and local food can register for their Community Food Access Conversation happening February 4th at the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit on 180 Broadway in Orangeville, also through action@headwaterscommunities.ca

By Marni Walsh