Adopt-A-Farmbox
The PS11 Farmbox Subcommittee is responsible for planning and overseeing all projects relating to the Adopt-A-Farmbox initiative.
The Adopt-A-Farmbox initiative is a program that builds farmboxes made from 100% recycled materials for local schools and community institutions for the purpose of growing fruits and vegetables. Farmboxes are fertile ground not only for food, but also as a tool for education, personal growth, and community engagement. This is a call to reconnect with food; to create, to prosper, and to flourish through growing fruits and vegetables.
PS11 is proud to be a recipient of this program. We've utilized this program in conjunction with our science department to enhance and incorporate the Adopt-A-Farmbox initiative into the curriculum. Students learn and experience gardening and growing food in it's most organic form. Students begin with planting seedlings and maintaining and caring for crops with goal of harvesting the fruits and vegetables when they are mature. Students will also learn how to care for and maintain an indoor greenhouse in addition to the farmboxes in the PS11 garden, and many other aspects of the entire growing process. This program will introduce a basic understanding of where food comes from, the importance of the quality of the food we consume, and why good nutrition is so important. In addition to the student activities, parents are able to participate in workshops and programs relating to gardening and nutrition through the Adopt-A-Farmbox initiative.
A separate listserv exists for the PS11 Adopt-A-Farmbox subcommittee in order to effectively communicate with the founders of the Adopt-A-Farmbox initiative. To join the PS11 Farmbox subcommittee please send a request with your name and your child(ren)'s teacher to PS11Adopt-A-Farmbox-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
For more information about the Adopt-A-Farmbox initiative please
click here.
CookShop
CookShop, the core nutrition education program of the Food Bank For New York City, gives children and adults the knowledge and tools to adopt and enjoy a healthy diet. With hands-on workshops reaching approximately 30,000 New Yorkers across all five boroughs, CookShop teaches cooking skills and nutrition information and fosters enthusiasm for fresh, affordable fruits, vegetables and other whole foods. In this way, CookShop empowers communities to fight childhood hunger, obesity, and diet-related disease.
Every participating educator and chapter leader is provided with the tools needed to implement CookShop, including training, ongoing technical support, complete curriculum materials and all of the food, supplies and equipment needed for cooking lessons and classroom activities.
CookShop for Families is a complementary program for parents and guardians in schools that participate in CookShop Classroom, with the goal of getting the whole family involved in making healthy food choices.
Participants complete six Saturday workshops focusing on such topics as reading food labels, meal planning, storage tips, and portion sizes. Participants also conduct at-home cooking activities with their families. Through simple, healthy recipes using fresh, affordable ingredients, participants gain skills and knowledge to make CookShop a part of their families' daily lives.
For more information about the CookShop program please
click here.
Salad Bar Wednesdays and Fridays
On Wednesdays and Fridays PS11 students can dine on fresh salad that compliments their lunch. Students are able to be served buffet style at a separate salad bar that is run by parent volunteers.
Cooking Lessons
A series of ongoing cooking lessons and programs that are brought to you by PS11 parents, or outside organizations.
Anyone is welcome to join the PS11 Green Team Committee. No prior "green" experience is necessary. We are always in need of parent volunteers for Salad Bar Wednesdays and Fridays and lunch duty. Please go to Volunteer Spot to RSVP, or just come on in!
To visit Volunteer Spot online, please
click here.
