The Jenkins Charitable Foundation generously provided funding for the Garden to Table Trust. These funds were used in the Garden to Table food education programme for use in early years settings.
A pilot project was run with two kindergartens to establish and develop the programme that tamariki (children) were involved in all four programme pou (pillars) – Grow, Harvest, Prepare and Share.
Information gathered through the pilot project helped in the development of resources appropriate for early years settings, including recipes, best practice guidelines, and useful tips on running the Garden to Table programme with young children.
“There are so many ways Garden To Table benefits our tamariki - one I value is the mana (pride) we see as our tamariki harvest and care for the growing kai and bring it home to share with their whānau. We have heard how more tamariki are trying new foods, wanting to cook at home and sharing stories about how to grow with whānau.” Kaiako (Teacher), Island Bay Kindergarten.
By involving young children in gardening and cooking, we are investing in their future. This will achieve longer term health, social, economic, and environmental benefits for New Zealand children, their families and communities.
Imagine if children experience Garden to Table from ECE, Primary right through to Secondary Schools. This is Garden to Table’s dream, so that growing, cooking, and sharing great food becomes a normal part of everyday life for children and families in New Zealand.