ES Hanmer growing its knowledge about health eating

Five projects are underway at École secondaire Hanmer to promote dietary literacy, namely the knowledge, skills and cooking techniques associated with healthy eating.

A first project is the community garden’s Phase 2 development. Students in the school of trades, with help from several members of the Club d’âge de la Vallée (seniors’ club) have already built a gazebo, a bridge and eight planter boxes, while students in the art class designed a name and logo for the “Jardin du VILLAGE Garden.”

The participants will soon be planting vegetables, pumpkins, rhubarb, berries and more. The garden’s season launch will be held on June 4.

This project is headed by a committee of teachers, parents and community partners, including the local Best Start Hub, the Club d’âge d’or de la Vallée and the Sudbury District Health Unit. The project also benefits from expert advice provided by VETAC and the Community Garden Network.

A second project involves cafeteria renovations. Among the new paintings, decorations and equipment, a new mural will promote the school’s new composting program, while two planter boxes will house the seedling for the community garden. The official opening of the renovated cafeteria will be held on June 4.

A third project is the food handler certification course offered at the school in recent months to students in the Hospitality Industry High Skills Major program, as well as to approximately 20 parents, seniors and teachers. This course is also offered in English to members of the Valley East community.

A fourth project consists of nutritional education and food cooking/preparation sessions provided at the school with the help of a public health nurse and a dietitian, who also offer consulting services in healthy eating to school personnel. All students and personnel will receive a cookbook courtesy of the Centre de santé communautaire du Grand Sudbury, which is a partner in this project along with the Sudbury District Health Unit and Collège Boréal.

A fifth project to highlight is the “Sabres en chef” cooking competition.

On Thursday, June 4 from 5:30-8:30 p.m., four teams made up of members of the seniors’ club, parents and representatives of project partners will rise to the challenge.

Tickets for this event — $5 per person, $10 per family — include a supper and entry in a draw for great prizes such as a barbecue and vouchers redeemable at Neil’s Your Independent Grocer. Tickets are on sale until May 21 at the school or by phone at 705-969-4410. Only 150 tickets are available.