This has been a very enjoyable project, in particular working with a grade 3 class from Britannia Elementary. As I have said in a previous post these kids are so much fun and so into the potatoes. It is just so great seeing kids get so excited about food. It makes me feel like the work we are doing really does matter.
With financial support from the Neighbourhood Matching Fund the Britannia Potato Farm was conceived of for a number of reasons. On one level it is providing a much needed greening of the area using playful and educational food security strategies. More importantly it has provided the opportunity to engage children in a real life hands on food growing project. The kids helped shovel the dirt, plant the potatoes, mound the potatoes, water, decorate the boxes, and will in the fall dig up the potatoes and finally cook and eat them. I am sure the best part of the project will be when the kids go wild digging up the spuds, like searching for buried treasure.
This demonstration urban agriculture project has already captured a lot of attention. Situated at Britannia Community Centre, it is helping us all better connect with our food. For many of the kids, growing these potatoes has been a new and exciting experience for which they are talking a lot about.
Stay tuned for a big potato bake off coming this fall at Britannia Elementary.
Building the boxes using 4×4 landscape ties
High School students helping shovel dirt
Finished boxes outside the Britannia Elementary School
The kids planting the potatoes
Painting the Potato tile Murals
Grandview Woodland Food Connection 