What is Let's Grow
The Let’s Grow Seed Packet Program
has been designed by Co-op Atlantic
to enhance student learning at the
elementary level (Grade 3) in the four
Atlantic Provinces and the Magdalen Islands. Owned by more
than 100 co-operatives across the
region, Co-op Atlantic was started
more than 80 years ago by farmers
who wanted to share their resources
and help ensure local and regional
food for the people of Atlantic Canada.
Today, the Co-op system includes more
than 100 grocery stores, and more than
30 producer-owned co-ops that supply
the feed, seed and other products
needed to grow our food.
Understanding where our food comes
from and how it is produced is an
important outcome for elementary
students and society in general.
With the Let’s Grow Seed Packet
Program, educators can ensure
that their students develop a more
comprehensive understanding of our
food system and a deeper appreciation
of the agricultural sector of our
economy.
It’s the story that has become a cliché. Ask young people today where their food comes from and they have only one answer: the grocery store.
But for 25,000 Atlantic schoolchildren received the Let’s Grow seed program through their schools this year, that’s not the case. Developed by Atlantic Canada’s Co-op stores, Let’s Grow included a package of bean seeds, a fun activity guide with growing instructions, and interactive activities at the eatatlantic.ca web site.
“Children have such a love of learning, we wanted to offer an activity that helps them understand the work and rewards of growing your own food,” explains Romeo Cormier, Public Affairs Manager for Co-op Atlantic, the Moncton, NB-based wholesale and service provider owned by the region’s Co-op food and farm stores. “Let’s Grow offers a hands-on approach to understanding our food.”
Based on regional curriculum plans, Let’s Grow was distributed to all Grade 3 classes in English schools and all Grade 4 classes in French schools. Teachers had the option of using the Let’s Grow Teachers Guide to integrate the program into classroom studies, or distribute the packages to students with the suggestion that they participate at home as a family. All students can also register online at eatatlantic.ca to receive and share growing tips and ideas, and for a chance to win one of five new bicycles.
Let’s Grow was one part of Co-op’s 2010 Eat Atlantic Challenge, which also included an online video contest and the annual Eat Atlantic Challenge event on September 2.
“With the Eat Atlantic Challenge, we saw such a strong response from Atlantic Canadians looking to share their passion for local and Atlantic foods,” explains Cormier. “Now, with Let’s Grow, we are helping build an understanding of where our food comes from for years to come.”