English region: North East
Activities
Northumberland Care Trust worked in partnership with Alnwick Garden to deliver the Roots and Shoots Schools Programme to selected schools across Northumberland. Roots and Shoots offers children an opportunity to learn how to plant and grow food, the idea being that by doing so they will increase their knowledge of growing, tending and harvesting food.
This knowledge is then used to set up ‘growing clubs’ in schools. These encourage children to eat more fruit and vegetables, as well as to be more active.
Schools choose children from years 4 and 5 groups who are:
- Known to be less active
- May have issues or concerns regarding their weight
- May need to increase their self esteem
- Who they feel would benefit from this programme
The programme has attracted fantastic feedback, especially from the children, who are now enjoying eating more fruit and vegetables. Some children have even experienced increased self-esteem, and have become more confident in class.
Resources used: Change4Life leaflets and recipe cards
More information:
More about the Roots and Shoots Schools Programme