I was happy to read about the student gardens at Sidney Elementary and how the students were able to enjoy the benefits that their garden had to give.
I think it is really important for kids to connect with where their food comes from and I believe that it will help them make healthier food choices in the future.
For this reason, and for many others, I believe that the town of Sidney ought to welcome other complementary food raising endeavours into the backyards of its community. As a complement to gardens may I submit to you the chicken. She is happy to produce compost for the garden and she is also happy to eat any garden scraps or appropriate kitchen scraps.
This reduces stress on our landfill and enriches the garden soil for better production.
Chickens also produce eggs not only in the warmer months, but all year round. I will not even delve into the large subject of sustainability and the importance of protecting our Island food supply here but will bring it back to my original praise of the Sidney school gardens. Children raising chickens in their own backyards would continue to educate them about healthy food choices, it would get them outside, it would teach them how to be responsible and care for another living thing.
I really appreciate seeing real education in the school but real education has no borders. I also believe that home is the place to begin.
Michelle Bertrand
Sidney