Press Release May 2005

NEW ADDITIONS: HEIRLOOM SEEDS WEBSITES AVAILABLE TO SLOW FOOD KC MEMBERS 2-12-06:

John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds catalog <http://kitchengardenseeds.com/> ;
860-567-6086).
Ellen Ogden, a founder of the Cook's Garden (cooksgarden.com <http://cooksgarden.com/> ; 800-457-9703), a mail-order seed company
Tomato Growers Supply Company (888-478-7333 or <http://tomatogrowers.com/> )

Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (<http://rareseeds.com/> ;417-924-8917);
Pinetree Garden Seeds <http://superseeds.com/> ; 207-926-3400);
Seed Savers Exchange (<http://seedsavers.org/> ;563-382-5990);
Seeds of Change <http://seedsofchange.com/> ; 888-762-7333.

Johnny's Selected Seeds (877-564-6697; <http://johnnyseeds.com/> )
Fedco Seeds (<http://fedcoseeds.com/> ; 207-873-7333)
Select Seeds <http://selectseeds.com/> ; 800-684-0395

Slow Food in Schools is a unique national program of garden to table projects with children that cultivates the senses and teaches an ecological approach to food.

Following our mission, Slow Food USA is committed to awakening a child to the enjoyment and health benefits of quality foods and the principles of land stewardship through the Slow Food in Schools program. A growing program comprising more than 20 garden to table projects across the country, Slow Food in Schools helps children develop an appreciation for real, wholesome food and an understanding of sustainable food practices.

The Edible Schoolyard, A Model Program

The Edible Schoolyard at Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, California, proposes a model for transforming education. Its core principles are deeply aligned with Slow Food and form the basis for a parallel Slow Food in Schools program.

The mission of The Edible Schoolyard is to create and sustain a vibrant, organic garden and landscape that is wholly integrated into the school's academic curriculum and lunch program. In the garden, students are involved in all aspects of planting and cultivation; and in the kitchen-classroom, they prepare, serve, and eat food they have grown themselves. These activities are woven into the daily lesson in almost every subject and are part of the normal school day.

A revolutionary approach to reforming education, The Edible Schoolyard embodies a shift away from standardization and uniformity in the classroom in favor of curiosity, intellectual development, and humanitarian values. This hands-on education, firmly grounded in core academic subjects, also awaken students' minds and bodies to the essential values of nourishment, community, and stewardship of the land. Such a program, envisioned as an extension of the classroom, can be integrated into the academic life of every school, from kindergarten through university.
Contact email: <mailto:info@edibleschoolyard.org>
Website: www.edibleschoolyard.org

Press Release May 2005 Slow Food
Kansas City's Edible Schoolyard Program Established