Plant to Plate

Plant to Plate (PTP) is a community program offered to all primary schools across Palmerston North and the surrounding district. PTP delivers a quality service led by teachers and assisted by experienced, enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy working with children.

The not-for-profit provides a low-cost service, which schools can apply for funding to cover.

PTP representatives are invited by schools and work with the teachers to present a program to meet their gardening and cooking needs. They then provide a team of volunteers to assist teachers and students establish vegetable gardens and cook tasty food. Practical sessions are held during a school term.

The PTP team ensures there is a low child-adult ratio so that their students have enjoyable and meaningful learning experiences. They supply all kitchen and gardening equipment and find community resources to support their school. They also provide expert horticultural advice and guidance and assist with applications for funding to support gardens, and mentor the school for six months after the program has finished to ensure sustainability.

The Rotary Club of Awapuni was a founding partner of PTP and continues to support their gardening and cooking in primary schools program. Club members ensure the PTP vision of gardening and cooking is integrated into the school curriculum. They make sure children learn life skills around growing their food, around cooking, and learning ways to care for the earth’s resources.