National School Gardener of the Year sought
A nationwide programme which encourages school children to embrace healthy eating and cooking has announced a new competition.
Garden to Table has kicked off the first-ever Young Gardener of the Year award and is on the hunt for green-thumbed, healthy-living school children.
The nationwide search kicked off last week, with students from the 60 Garden to Table participating schools nationwide eligible for the title.
The prize is for kids who are enthusiastic and passionate about growing fresh produce and creating healthy meals. A School of the Year category is also available.
Garden to Table CEO Linda Taylor said the awards were designed to recognise the talent and achievements of individuals and schools which are gardening, growing and nutritious food.
‘‘We are on a mission to change the way children approach and think about food,’’ she said.
‘‘At Garden to Table we strongly believe that children who understand where good food comes from – and how to prepare it – are likely to make better food choices.
‘‘We encourage everyone in our programme to get involved, as we have some fabulous prizes harvesting available.’’ Ten finalists will be selected for the T&G Garden to Table Young Gardener Award with awards for the top five.
Eligible Canterbury schools include Lyttelton’s Diamond Harbour Primary School, St Martin’s Primary School, Kaiapoi Borough School, Riccarton Primary School and Casebrook Intermediate School.
Entrants can apply at www.younggardenerawards.co.nz. Entries close on September 29.