How gardens in schools can help improve unhealthy lunchboxes

A healthy lunchbox is actually a critical part of learning

Deep fried food, crisps, chips and donuts are among some of the worst listed food items witnessed by teachers here when it comes to a student's lunchbox. But with a healthy lunchbox actually a critical part of learning, many say it's time for real change.
A report released by the Dubai Health Authority's schools and educational institutions unit in January revealed that 33 per cent of school children from kindergarten to grade 12 across 176 private schools here are either overweight or obese - 14 to 16 per cent of which are obese.
And for UAE-based nursery teacher and nutrition enthusiast, it's clear to see how it's got to this point. "The worst case I have experienced was a parent who sent a 4-pack of Oreos and a bottle of fruit juice for a 6-hour day. 'She won't eat anything else', is what I was told."
On a positive note, Julie told Khaleej Times she has worked in three international nurseries here that promoted a healthy eating/no crisps/chocolate policy. But it had varying successes due to the varied demographic. "It is difficult and sensitive to manage. Firstly, different cultures have different approaches to (food)," she said.
And Mumtaz Ahmad, a teacher at Apple International School Dubai, agreed that content very much varies depending on the student. "During break times, a student's lunch box mostly consists of heavy produce like bread, cheese and fried items. It's very much the norm in some nationalities."
But he does see the odd fruit and vegetable being consumed by older students.
For Julie, promoting eating time as a social activity can have really positive impacts on students - especially picky eaters - because it helps improve food relationships.
A better food concept
For Justine Bain, Kamelia Bin Zaal and Jennifer Small (English, Emirati and American, respectively), better nutrition isn't just the responsibility of a parent. It is something that should and could be taught in the classroom, too.
And that is where the idea to launch Sandy Seeds came from - a new health awareness curriculum in Dubai. With a focus on food technology, teacher training, and mindful education, the trio wants to see more schools introduce edible gardens into their campuses.
"Sourcing an education that offers all our children a chance to thrive in areas just as important as academia is paramount," Bain told Khaleej Times.
And with childhood obesity statistics at an all-time high, there really is no time like the present, she said.
The Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has also been hugely supportive of the initiative, and the programme is currently nearing the end-process in obtaining full approval.
At present, Sandy Seeds is in the process of training a number of schools and nurseries in building a network of edible school gardens in Dubai. With a full scale launch planned for September 2017, the dream is to see the students consuming the healthy produce, as well as growing it.
"The school gardens are fully owned and run by the school, so whether they choose to use the produce in the dinner hall is completely at their discretion. It's a wonderful sustainable aspect for the schools to embrace," Bin Zaal said.
Living in a society that has developed a taste for processed and fast food, Bin Zaal said it is having a huge impact on the health of the community.
"Our ecological education programme is about a way of living and reeducating our whole community, children, teachers and parents about nutrition. Tackling these issues head on and at an early stage will lower health risks for future generations to come."
Far beyond just growing food, edible gardening teaches children a number of other skills. It not only touches on subjects such as science, maths and history, but also teaches children to work collectively as a team towards a goal.
And some schools are already practising this mindful teaching method here.
At Gems Our Own Indian School, teacher Evon Luicien said they not only grow fruits and vegetables - with the help of students - they consume the produce, too.
Five tips for a school garden
> Start with the basics that are easy to grow and can easily thrive outdoors in the UAE winters and indoors in the summer
> Start with a small garden that will get the students' hands dirty and get them eating healthy
> The exact number of vegetables doesn't matter as long as you start - even if it's a small patch of land in the playground
> Best produce to start with: Tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs such as basil, thyme, mint, oregano, lavender
> Also try out some root vegetables for a different harvesting experience for the kids such as carrots, potatoes and onions.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
Would you like to see more schools growing their own produce?
Vignesh Dinesh
Our Own Indian School
Dubai
"I strongly agree that schools should grow their own produce, because it helps boost productivity in children. Quick crops such as lettuce, radish, potatoes and spinach require little maintenance, making them a perfect starting point for a school's vegetable patch. My school has a vertical garden and it encourages great team effort to maintain."
Suleiman Altaf
Ibn Seena English High School
Sharjah
"I think schools should grow their own produce and students should volunteer to maintain it, especially those from the lower grades. This ensures they learn about healthy eating in a practical way. It also helps them learn about farming. This way the science they learn on the white board is turned into reality."
Abdul Altaf
Ibn Seena English High School
Sharjah
"Growing school produce is very beneficial as it ensures a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables along with crops can be quite useful not only for health but for other purposes like enhancing natural beauty and being better nourished."
Dhanvi Sayani
Gems Our Own English High School
Dubai
"Yes, I would like to see more schools growing their own produce. This is because it is more eco-friendly and most of the schools will involve the students, which encourages them to stay in touch with nature. This food items can also be used in canteens, making food healthier and safer. My school also has a garden 'Our Own Blossoms'."