Children who attend MercyCare’s Early Learning Centre in Wembley are developing their green thumbs by growing their own food.
The centre’s garden produces lettuce, tomatoes, herbs, corn, zucchini, beans and bananas. Since no sprays or insecticides are used in the garden, all the produce is safe for the children to eat, and is regularly added to the lunch menu.
Wembley Early Learning Centre Manager Sharon Lincoln said as well as being fun, the garden provided some important learning opportunities.
“The garden helps to teach the children about sustainability, and to realise that produce doesn’t just appear in the grocery shops; it needs to be grown and looked after,” she said.
MercyCare Operations Manager, Early Learning Services, Shelley Prendergast said many parents whose children attend the centre appreciate having the garden.
“Parents are delighted that their children have the opportunity to have fun outside and learn at the same time,” she said.
“Environmental programs are a big part of our all our Early Learning Centres, and teach children about growing produce, healthy food and recycling.”
For more information about MercyCare’s Early Learning Centres, please Click Here.