Veg Fest is the inter-school growing competition that runs throughout the growing season, culminating in a celebration. It helps schools to set up and run their own growing club and run growing sessions.
How does the project work?
Veg Fest supports schools to set up growing areas and gardening clubs that teach children about where food comes from and how to grow it. It is run with five local primary schools in Borehamwood, with funding from Leecliffe Big Local.
Why do we run the course?
The project tackles the underlying causes of obesity and unhealthy lifestyles in children, including the lack of skills and knowledge around food and healthier eating. The project also allows children to socialise and make new friends across different year groups, providing wellbeing benefits.
What do participating schools receive?
Through a Veg Fest project, Groundwork will provide:
- Growing beds built in school grounds if needed
- ‘Get growing’ packs including compost, seeds, growing tips etc.
- Support from trained staff to establish weekly growing clubs at each school for 15-20 pupils
- An assembly at participating schools to encourage participation
- Training for teachers / teaching assistants, local volunteers and parents who want to take part in the project
- A dedicated blog
What happens at the celebration event?
The project culminates in a fun vegetable festival competition, complete with judging panel. It’s a ‘country show’ style celebration event run by Groundwork staff. At this finale, held at the end of the summer term, each school will be invited to create a display stall to show off its produce, and prizes will be given out for various categories. This event gives pupils, teachers and volunteers a goal to work towards as well as a huge sense of achievement.
Sessions in your local area
If you would like to work with us to run Veg Fest in your schools: