Sowing millions is exactly what Seeds of Change had in mind when announcing their donation of 25 million certified organic seeds to schools (grades K-8) nationwide at the Sowing Millions, Growing Minds Event. Seeds of Change is passionate about growing good food and they are committed to helping teach children where food comes from and how it’s grown. In these rush, rush times of choosing convenience over preparing nutritious meals, it’s even more important to educate children on their food choices and get them excited about eating healthy.
In conjunction with the “Sowing Millions, Growing Minds” initiative, Seeds of Change partnered up with Green City Market to host a spring gardening event for elementary students at the Edible Gardens at Lincoln Park Zoo’s Farm. During the event I had the pleasure of attending, organic gardening expert, Jeanne Nolan, led a planting demonstration where children were given gardening gloves and trowels and taught how to plant cauliflower seedlings, snow peas, lettuce, radishes, broccoli, carrots and more.
The festivities continued as Seeds of Change chef, Chris Skolmutch, led a cooking demo, where he shared simple and delicious garden stir-fry and taco salad recipes using organic vegetables and herbs that children can grow in their own gardens. It was such a joy to see how excited the children were about cooking with healthy ingredients. After the demo, children gathered in front of the kitchen area. Many of them asking for carrots and peas to snack on. True story!
The children were able to sample both dishes presented during the demo and left with goodie bags containing a Seeds of Change seed packet, food samples including Certified Organic Mediterranean Style Rice and Organic Ready to Heat Spanish Style Rice and a Garden Starter Kit.
The Sowing Millions, Growing Minds Event was brilliant. It makes me happy to see such events being held locally. Eating healthy not only starts at home, but within the community. It truly does take a village… This event is something I know Jayden would have enjoyed had he been a bit older. Instead, he and Greg toured the farm and cuddled bunnies while I covered the event.
Free Organic Seeds for Schools
Teachers can take advantage of the “Sowing Millions, Growing Minds” initiative at Sowing Millions Donation page. The first 1,000 schools nationwide to sign up will receive a box of 100 randomly pre-selected organic vegetable, herb and flower seed packets. Recipients are responsible for a $14.95 shipping and handling fee. In addition to donating 25 million organic seeds to schools, Seeds of Change awarded a grant to Green City Market that will make it possible for hundreds of Chicago Public School students to visit the Edible Gardens on field trips to learn about organic gardening first hand.
{Can’t view the slideshow? Click here!}
I am a member of the Walmart Moms program. Walmart is compensating me for attending and sharing this event with you. My participation is voluntary and all words and opinions are always my own. Read my full disclosure policy here.
Lori
Thursday 3rd of May 2012
So cool that they hold the events huh! I know Truett has LOVED growing his Watermelon seeds. He checks them every day just waiting for the first of a Watermelon!
Jenn @ Frugal Upstate
Thursday 3rd of May 2012
What a fantastic program-it's great to get kids interested in gardening at an early age! I truly believe that learning to grow our own food is important both for the health benefits and for the stress it takes off the food supply system. Just think, if every American grew just 10% of their own food, how much better off we'd all be!