From plant to plate – Waitrose launches school growing initiative

As Waitrose celebrates its fifth anniversary in Guernsey, the supermarket is relaunching its ‘Grow and Sell’ scheme to promote a legacy of healthy eating among local school children.

The Grow and Sell kits, provided by Waitrose to all local schools on the island, contain all the necessary equipment for growing a vegetable patch as well as step-by-step growing instructions designed by Waitrose.

Aimed at seven to 11 year olds, the scheme has seen local schools develop their own vegetables patches and grow produce including lettuce, courgettes and basil. The kits also contain badges that designate both growing and selling roles so that children can experience both elements of the scheme.

Ian Burdekin, branch manager of Waitrose Admiral Park, said: “Since our branches opened in 2011, we have made it our duty to be involved with the community. From the planting of an orchard at Delancey Park to our permanent food banks in branch, we aim to use the skills of our Partners, as all our staff are known, to support the island.

“Healthy eating is a key message for us, particularly the education of young people and we want to make that our legacy on the island. Our Partners will be working with the schools to check their progress and we’re looking forward to inviting them into our branches later this year.” 

The success of the annual scheme, which began in 2013, has resulted in an increase in the number of growing its that Waitrose will supply to schools 

Growing kits will be given to the 17 Guernsey schools and Waitrose is extending the invitation to youth groups such as the Brownies or the Boys Brigade to come forward if they wish to get involved and receive growing kits.

To accompany the kits a specially designed ‘Grow and Sell’ app is available to advise teachers, parents and children about when to plant their crops and how to care for them. The app also provides information about where food comes from, how it’s produced and environmental issues such as the importance of seasonality and sustainability.

Students will then be invited to sell their produce in the Admiral Park and Rohais branches sometime during the summer term to raise money for their school.