The Tesco School Gardens project has been initiated by Tesco in order to educate key stage 2 children and to develop their understanding and appreciation about local produce and where it comes from. The focus of the project is based on a hands-on approach to growing. The scheme helps schools and their pupils to set up and run school gardens no matter how big or small; to grow, harvest and prepare local food produce; and to bring the classroom and the teaching curriculum into the outdoor environment of the garden. The scheme also aims to put schools in touch with local food producers, and other growers in their area, so that children are able learn in the extended environment of farms and allotments from people with extensive experience in local growing activities.
The Tesco School Gardens programme includes the following components:
- Funding assistance to purchase a range of child-sized equipment, compost and feeds, seeds and plants to get your garden growing.
- Your Tesco School Gardens Starter Folder, incorporating:
- An introductory guide to school gardening, including all you need to know about staffing, planning and running your school garden
- A growing calendar
- Growing and cooking guides for children
- Lesson plans
- All about food booklets
- Your Tesco School Gardens Website, incorporating information, additional support and local farm and allotment contacts to make your school garden run smoothly and efficiently.
Selected Tesco stores have a dedicated Community Champion who will work closely with their local schools to run this programme. The Community Champions will present the Tesco School Gardens starter folder, provide sponsorship to purchase the equipment, help the school to raise funds and generally lend a hand.
Other schools are very welcome to use all resources on this website.
However, if your local store does not have a Community Champion, then it will not be possible to receive the same level of involvement from Tesco. If you decide to use this website to set up a Tesco School Garden, it is worth approaching your local store as you may be able to hold a bag packing event to raise funds for equipment and seeds.