John Burke High School’s Seed Grant Project

John Burke High School, Grand Bank, NL
Grant term, 2024-2025

Our school is located in the rural community of Grand Bank, on the Burin Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador. We have a population of 152 students, comprised of students from grades 8-12.

Traditionally, much of the food consumed in the area would have been grown or sourced locally. However, as time has passed, people have gotten away from these methods, choosing the convenience of supermarkets. Unfortunately, global events such as the pandemic demonstrate the vulnerability of supply chains and the impact this has on food availability and costs.

Funding provided by the Seed Grant program has helped to engage our school community in how we can all work to increase our availability to fresh, nutritious food through means that are within our abilities. Students, staff and parents have commented on how our hydroponic Tower Garden has shown them that the process is not difficult and within their ability; several staff members have put in their own gardens and built greenhouses this spring.

Food grown this season in our outside garden will be harvested, stored and used during the fall as part of school breakfast program and the upcoming school lunch program.