Community celebrates two years of Caledon school garden project

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The spirit of community and collaboration has led to the continued success of a garden project in Caledon. 

On September 26, a large group gathered at Ellwood Memorial Public School to celebrate two years of the Caledon school vegetable garden project. 

There were students, teachers, principals, school board staff, trustees, politicians, community partners and more at the celebration.

Students from Ellwood Memorial Public School prepared an amazing presentation to share with attendees. They shared a land acknowledgement, read poetry, talked about how their garden worked, and shared thanks to the earth and the people who made the garden project possible.

The Caledon school vegetable garden project was started two years ago by Caledon's Peel District School Board (PDSB) trustee Stan Cameron. The vision was to have a vegetable garden at every public school in Caledon, and that vision has now been realized.

Across Caledon, the gardens have engaged students in curriculum-based learning and brought school communities together with a common goal of learning about gardening together and managing a successful vegetable garden.

Many local businesses, such as garden centres and hardware stores, have contributed supplies to the project. Countless volunteers have contributed countless hours maintaining the gardens. PDSB staff have gone above and beyond to help keep the gardens in great shape. It was thanks to these reasons and more that Cameron wanted to have a celebration to thank everyone involved. 

Norma Dwyer, Principal of Ellwood Memorial Public School, said a community garden is a symbol of what can be achieved when people work together towards a common goal.

“Our garden is more than just a collection of plants. It is a living classroom where our students have learned about sustainability, teamwork and the beauty of nature. This project has not only enriched their educational experience, but has also fostered a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment,” said Cameron. “I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the students for their enthusiasm and commitment, to the teachers and the staff for the guidance and support, and to the parents, caregivers and community members for their unwavering encouragement.”

Cameron said it's been so amazing to see the school vegetable garden project come to fruition. 

“This event is really about celebrating all 16 schools at harvest time,” said Cameron.

This year and last, the school vegetable gardens have donated well over 200 pounds of fresh vegetables to Caledon Community Services' The Exchange, which serves as Caledon's food bank. Vegetables from the gardens have also been used for culinary education in schools; and, any school community member who is in need of food may take it from the gardens, no questions asked. 

“Most parents are interested in having their children learn the many lessons that can be gained by being part of planting a seed or seedling, nurturing it by watering and weeding, harvesting the vegetables, and giving it away to those less fortunate than themselves,” said Cameron. “Lessons about planting, growing, food insecurities, high costs of fresh vegetables, having empathy for others and linking it all to curriculum, all make this a very attractive initiative for many.”