A new parent advisory council initiative, the Farm to School program, was launched at Langdale Elementary School on Thursday, Nov. 5. A delicious vegan and gluten free pumpkin soup was served with kale chips, fresh carrots and pea shoots in the school community room. Served by parents, the kindergarten/Grade 1 class students and their classroom teacher had their lunch alongside some parents and the farmers.
Principal Gregory Walters introduced the program. Its purpose includes:
• Knowing where food comes from.
• Eating healthy and local food together as a community.
• Bringing mindfulness into eating.
Supporting the program are Round Table Farms in Williamson Landing and Camp Sunrise in Gibsons. The first meal was made with fresh produce from Round Table Farms and a pumpkin from Henry Reed Farm at the Camp Sunrise commercial kitchen. Organizers hope to collaborate with several local farms and their plan is to have the children visit farms in early 2016. Eventually, they hope to integrate this program into the school curriculum.
