George Palmer

Summary

Food4Families began working with George Palmer Primary School in early summer 2010.

The school is situated on a larger than average site and has  approximately 400 pupils on roll. When Food4Families became involved the school had already begun some work on developing a garden that would produce food for consumption by the school community. The garden had five solid raised beds for vegetable growing and we have recently added a sixth. The aim is for each year group across the school to have their own individual growing bed, plus an additional bed for family gardening use. Since work began in May 2010 we have built a shed and cleared the garden of weeds and debris. A joint effort from families, staff and volunteers meant that great progress was made in one weekend session, with a surface layer of bark mulch being laid between beds to provide suitable pathways. A further section of the garden is still to be developed. This will house a seating area in a shaded section, plus composting facilities and further growing areas. The children have already grown and harvested a selection of vegetables including broad beans, potatoes, radishes, strawberries and onions. Still on the menu for later in the season are tomatoes, beetroot, leeks and courgettes. The children have also planted pumpkins that will be ready in the autumn.

Food4Families is supporting the school garden development through weekly family gardening sessions during the growing period. These sessions are open to parents/carers and children at the school and take place one afternoon each week straight after school. In addition, the school operates a Golden University session each week where pupils select one of a range of activities. A keen group of young gardeners is emerging in the school and these young growers will help to supply the school kitchen with a range of tasty home grown seasonal veg.

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