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SEEDS PROGRAM AT ERICKSON SCHOOL
Youth are the future of this region and Columbia Basin Trust (CBT) recognizes the importance of empowering, educating, and involving Basin youth through inspiring programs and initiatives. Last year, CBT became financially involved in supporting Erickson School’s SEEDS (Students Encouraging Ecological Development in Society) formerly known as Grow Your Own Lunch program. Created in partnership between Erickson Elementary School, College of the Rockies (COTR), and local agricultural groups this pilot program taught 26 grade six students about the economic, health, and environmental implications of growing their own produce.
David Falconer, Principal of Erickson Elementary School came up with the initial idea for the program. “I became concerned with what students were bringing to school for snacks and lunches,” “It became obvious there were two reasons – first, many students were not aware what a nutritious lunch was and second, some students came from homes where parents did not have the financial means to buy healthy foods. I especially struggled with the fact that we live in a valley known for its agricultural production and wealth.”
Assistance was received from the local health nurse, Claire Bouchard, and the New Life Church assistant pastor, Erwin Buchholz. With their input, a meeting was arranged with local stakeholders including the COTR, church ministers, and other educators. From this meeting it was decided to host a public workshop on Food Security. At this workshop, it became evident that healthy foods were a community issue and soon after the Creston Valley Food Action Coalition was organized. Yet, there was still the feeling that education amongst youth needed to be addressed.
An initial challenge was to create a curriculum. A team led by retired school teachers Len Parkin and Corinne Heliker successfully created a SEEDS curriculum (based on Grade 6 IRPs) designed to engage youth in agriculture, encourage a life-long passion for growing, expose youth to healthy living and eating, and to build leadership skills. Students were divided into groups and given the task to grow lettuce, tomatoes, chard, peas, beans, and peppers. Meeting once a week for an hour at the COTR, students were able to connect with other groups using the COTR greenhouse as well as representatives from the Greenheart Herbal Society, Food Action Coalition, and Kootenay Grain Cooperative.
Mr. Falconer said, “the experience was unbelievable,” “students took what they learned home - this is every teacher’s dream – and they became better friends and developed skills they will now use as mentors. I truly see a group of kids who will make a difference in the way they behave toward themselves, but also toward others.” This year, CBT will continue to fund this program which will be doubling in numbers. Last years Grade 6s will be mentoring this year’s grade 6 and January will be the kick off month for weekly trips to the greenhouse aT COTR. |