An initiative aimed at educating children about the benefits of eating their greens has returned with some settings already hailing it a success.
The Growing Gang initiative is a project designed to help young children in nurseries and pre-schools develop a positive relationship with vegetables by giving them the opportunity to grow their own.
The initiative is run by the Eat Well team and the Health Improvement Commission, in partnership with local Early Years settings such as preschools and nurseries.
27 different settings have signed up across both Guernsey and Alderney this year, meaning hundreds of children are involved.
The scheme is being supported by Le Friquet Garden Centre in Guernsey; which provided seeds and compost, and Alderney Roots.
The project provides practical resources; such as seeds, compost, and pots, encouraging the children to learn about where their food comes from.
The Health Improvement Commission said this kind of experiential approach can be more impactful than traditional learning methods.
“This hands-on approach not only supports the development of healthy eating habits but also aligns with broader goals, fostering a sense of responsibility and connection to the environment.”
Last year’s project was hailed as a great success by those involved in educating the younger generation, such as the Little Cottage Daycare.
“The children all took turns adding soil to the pots and planting the seeds. They all take turns to water the plants and they have loved observing so far and seeing the process from seeds to plants!”
Monkey Puzzle School added: “The children have really enjoyed the process of watching their seeds grow and getting to take some produce home.”