Operation Micro Food FarmOperation Micro Food Farm

2009

In Spring 2009, King's Cross Central funded the purchase of a micro food farm for St Marys and St Pancras Church of England Primary School in Somers Town. This was a patnership initiative between the school and Global Generation.

The initial aims of the project were to:
- raise the awareness among children of how food is produced;
- introduce children to new vegetables;
- teach children how to grow food;
- generally increase the whole school community's awareness of 'green' issues; and
- introduce the science behind food production.

The micro food farm was farmed by the school science club, two school governors and a local volunteer after school. Global Generation provided expert advice on gardening. This allowed the children to learn about growing vegetables and composting through a wormery as well as sustainable sourcing of food.

Those involved also undertook a Simple Environmental Review of the school, developed an action plan to lead to Eco Schools status and held an assembly to share their knowledge with the rest of the school. Seedlings from the farm were used to fill other planters on the school site and new raised beds were constructed. Produce was used by dinner ladies, given out as healthy snacks in a toddler group, donated to Harvest Festivals and sold to parents.

The project has been a great success: food growing has spread across the school, more and more children have become involved and the local volunteer has been employed by the school to continue with the project.
Outputs
- 12 science club pupils involved
- 1 local volunteer
- 2 school governors involved
- £77 raised through sale of produce
Feedback / Outcomes

Food growing has continued and expanded in the school.