YOUTH EDUCATION
SEED TO PLATE COOKING &
GARDENING CLASSES
One in nine Colorado children aren’t getting adequate nutrition due to financial constraints. In schools across the Denver Metro area, our garden and taste education classes through our Seed to Plate program increase nutritional food security among youth. Students who take our classes get a weekly meal with fresh local produce and learn healthy eating habits. They then bring their knowledge into their homes, inspiring siblings and family members to learn about their food systems and cook more nutritious food.
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Our interactive and multi-faceted classes transform children from passive food consumers to creators.
Volunteer with us!
Work one on one with Denver students as they build cooking and gardening skills.
Assist our instructors in nurturing the next generation of consumers and producers.
Watch wonder blossom as students experience whole foods and joy of taste.
WHAT IT IS
Seed to Plate is Slow Food Denver’s youth education program that teaches children the entire seed-to-plate process. Using a learner driven approach inspires students to develop healthy, lifelong eating habits by making the connection between where food comes from and how it is prepared. Youth will try new foods, make delicious meals, and get excited about fresh food!
Expect your child to leave this program with an increased interest in fresh fruits and vegetables, an overall healthier relationship with food, and a new found joy in creating and sharing meals with others.
OUR IMPACT
In 2023 through Seed to Plate we…
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Reached 38 schools and youth sites
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Held 714 classes
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Taught 1771 students
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Provided 8906 meals.
Of the 34 schools we served in 2023, 23 of these are Title I schools (68%). Programming at Title I schools is offered at no cost to families and schools.
Curious about what students make in class? Check out one of our recipe books!
GOAL
To provide an interactive learning environment transforming students from passive food consumers to creators, and in doing so increase their health awareness. Students will learn practical kitchen skills while gaining confidence and independence in creating dishes they enjoy. Participation in the entire seed to table experience results in a more intimate relationship with food and deep respect for the environment.
HOW IT WORKS
Seed to Plate weekly classes incorporate the school garden through planting, maintaining, harvesting and preparing food in seasonal cooking classes. Host schools are not required to have a garden in order to participate. Classes still incorporate the garden through indoor activities, storytelling, and education that fosters seasonality, where food comes from, and how it is grown. Our program utilizes the Slow Food USA School Garden Curriculum, written by Denver local, Gigia Kolouch.
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The program runs seasonally for 6-12 week sessions, depending on the season and school schedule. Classes are offered before, during and after-school. Average class size is 12 students and we provide an experienced instructor and all the supplies needed for each class. These classes are taught both virtually and in person.
​Interested in bringing Seed to Plate to your school? Complete the School Interest Form.
2023-2024 SCHOOLS SERVED
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Barnum Elementary School
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Bromwell Elementary School
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Charles M. Schenck Community School
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Creativity Challege Community School
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DCIS at Fairmont
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Dennison Elementary School
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Eagleton Elementary School
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Ellis Elementary School
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Goldrick Elementary School
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Hallett Academy
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Kaiser Elementary School
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Little Elementary School
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Maxwell Elementary School
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McMeen Elementary School
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Morey Middle School
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Munroe Elementary School
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Oakland Elementary School
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Rick’s Center for Gifted Children
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Sabin World School
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Steele Elementary School
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Stephen Knight Center for Early Education
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Rocky Mountain Prep – SMART
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Teller Elementary School
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Traylor Elementary School
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Valdez Elementary School
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Valverde Elementary School
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West Woods Elementary School
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Wyatt Academy
CLASS REGISTRATION
Click here to register your student for Seed to Plate classes at Morey Middle School for Fall 2024.
PARENT TESTIMONIAL
“The Seed to Plate program was something my little ones (and myself!) looked forward to every week! Instructors were patient and encouraging, even towards my youngest. My kids loved eating their creations after each session and became more adventurous with their tastes (huge bonus!). It was wonderful seeing how confident they became, chopping with their own knives, sautéing and stirring things in hot pots. This class does everything right in sparking curiosity and the joy of cooking.”
– Eutemia
INTERACTIVE MAP
COLLABORATIVE PROGRAMMING
This programming is largely made possible by a grant from Healthy Food for Denver’s Kids initiative through the Denver Department for Public Health & Environment. We are working with partner organizations Denver Urban Gardens and We Don’t Waste on a collaborative program offering called Seed to Plate to Regenerate.
Click here to learn more about this collaboration!
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Want to learn more about HFDK? Click here!