This is a worthy initiative I had originally seen on Gardening Australia. It was initially set up by Stephanie Alexander in Victoria to teach kids how to grow and cook their own food.
There is an expectation that all kids hate vegetables... I can attest that this is not true! If parents introduce vegetables along with all the other staples they accept them just as well. ( I know that many parents will dispute this but how is it possible that this problem doesn't exist across cultures?)
If however, the parent grimaces and makes comments like "eat your greens or you'll get no dessert" then you are doomed to bribing and cajoling them to eat their veggies. Here is an interesting article about other things to avoid when presenting new foods to your kids.Once kids make up their mind they don't like something it's really hard to change their opinion.
Stephanie Alexander has shown that by planting a seed, looking after a plant and the surprise of that plant providing real food, food you can eat, can sometimes convince picky eaters to try beans, tomatoes and homegrown carrots.
Imagine taking this further and teaching children environmentally aware land care practices, safe kitchen techniques, communication/ social skills, appreciation of other cultures and how to follow recipes. You've got quite a bit of the primary school curriculum covered there in a way the kids enjoy. Getting their hands dirty, actively participating in a class that is tangible and practical. A local school has already done this, visit their blog at : http://ecopond.blogspot.com/
I'd love to do this and will send along an email volunteering my services to any local school that is thinking of applying for this grant.
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