school updates

Farm to Table is an educational program which teaches children about healthy and sustainable diets. In its purest, most honest form, farm-to-table means the table is actually at the farm and cooks or chefs prepare and serve the food at the farm (even in the field). However for VIS, Farm to Table encompasses many different aspects.

Many of our students have spent a number of years in the UAE and are very used to seeing processed foods, that are packaged and imported into the UAE. The aim of our program is to open their minds to other possibilities. It is designed to teach young people in the UAE, about healthy lifestyles. Looking at healthy eating, drinking and being active. The program then looks at the farming aspect, asking where does food comes from, how is it grown and where is it grown? Exploring the farming process, is it organic or hydroponic? What soil is required and is it of plant or animal origin and how it is produced? Finally the program looks at how we and eat responsibly, how our food choices are impacting the environment, how to avoid waste and packaging to help look after our planet. During the program children get involved in planting and growing food, cooking what has been grown and learning about healthy eating choices. They have an opportunity to visit local farms, both organic and hydroponic. In addition to visiting local supermarkets to review how the food is coming from farm, and purchased to get to table. The overarching aim of the programme is to support pupil health and wellbeing and inspire them to ask more questions about their food, where it comes from, and how producing food impacts the planet.