New Initiatives
PARKGATE CHILDCARE PROGRAMS RECEIVE A GARDEN GRANT
In the Spring of 2008, Vancouver Coastal Health awarded Parkgate Community Services Licensed Childcare Programs a grant to create an edible garden for growing vegetables and fruits. All childcare children will participate in the process of knowing where their food comes, while trying new fruits and vegetables to promote healthy eating. They will see the sequence of growth of the plants while learning the responsibility of taking care of them, as well as respecting other living things in the surrounding environment.
The planting took place recently with the various age groups in childcare participating: After school age care children collected rocks; the 3-5 year olds hauled dirt and planted; and the infant/toddlers watered the final product. Special thanks to Trisha McCarthy, mother of a 4 year- old in the childcare program who donated plants and knowledge. Thanks also to Pat Jacklin, Gardener with the North Vancouver Recreation Commission, for his support with the set up of the planters and for providing the soil for the plants successful start. A variety of fruits and vegetables were planted: lettuce, tomatoes, eggplant, squash and herbs, as well as edible flowers!
