The Edible Schoolyard Teaches Students to Grow Vegetables, Eat Vegetables

Parents and children may well call a truce at dinner tables across the province, as kids learn it's fun to eat your vegetables when you grow them yourself.

The Edible Schoolyard, a new DVD produced by Slow Food Nova Scotia, explores this journey. It is now available at public libraries across the province.

"We're very pleased to make this DVD available for borrowing from our public libraries," said Education Minister Marilyn More. "It's a great example of our public libraries and schools working together."

A Hants Shore Health Centre initiative, The Edible Schoolyard shares the inspirational story of the students, staff and friends of Dr. Arthur Hines Elementary School and their community garden. It documents the school yard's transition from pavement to green space, and the gradual change from bagged lunches to healthier, freshly-picked options.

"The documentary illustrates the real-world connections between our environment and economy and is a wonderful example of project-based learning," said Ms. More.

Slow Food Nova is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 to counteract fast food. Led by chef Michael Howell, it teaches the importance of eating healthy food that's grown close to home.

"Food that's good for you, that's produced with no harm to the environment and that farmers are paid a fair price for, helps make dining a celebratory event," said Mr. Howell.

Each fall, Mr. Howell travels to Dr. Arthur Hines Elementary to help students prepare a meal from the crops they harvest. With the chef's assistance, they host a feast for the community, with food travelling from field to plate in less than three hours.

"When students grow their own vegetables and see where they come from, they're not afraid to eat them," said Mr. Howell. "The garden project has helped to make the healthy choice the more popular choice."

Copies of The Edible Schoolyard are on loan in all 77 public library locations and the documentary can also be viewed during the Slow Motion Film Festival running Nov. 6-8 in Wolfville.

To learn more about Slow Food Nova Scotia and the Slow Motion Film Festival visit www.slowfoodns.ca or www.slowmotionfilmfest.ca .