West Colchester Consolidated School, Bass River, NS
Plant a Seed and See What Grows Foundation Grant, 2024
West Colchester Consolidated School, nestled in Bass River, Nova Scotia, serves 141 students from Primary to Grade 9. Our rural community, surrounded by forests and fields, faces unique challenges such as food insecurity and limited access to local resources. Despite this, we take pride in fostering a supportive, close-knit environment where our students thrive. The Plant a Seed Grant has allowed us to cultivate meaningful opportunities for our students, not only enhancing their education but also strengthening our ties to the local community.
The Impact of the Grant
This grant transformed our school garden and enriched our students’ understanding of food literacy. Together, we planted rhododendrons, tulips, and daffodils in the front garden, giving our school a vibrant, welcoming look. Students also spread mulch and learned hands-on skills in environmental stewardship.
Beyond the garden, the grant funded field trips to local sustainable salmon farms and a cheese-making farm. These experiences gave students an up-close look at how food is grown and processed. One student shared, “I didn’t know fish farming could be so interesting. I might want to work there someday!”
The grant also enhanced our breakfast program and Learning Center, providing essential equipment that ensures all students have access to healthy meals and engaging, hands-on learning activities.
Key Features of the Project
A key element of the project was building partnerships with local organizations, such as the Portapique Farmers’ Market. A market leader visited the school to teach students how to make smoothies, using fresh, local produce. These connections brought the community into our classrooms, showing students the importance of supporting local businesses and sustainable practices.
A Champion for the Program
One of the driving forces behind this project was our Learning Support Teacher, Ms.Fletcher, who worked tirelessly to connect students with local experts and plan impactful activities. Ms.Fletcher’s dedication ensured that the program truly reflected the spirit of the grant—nurturing connections between students, food, the environment, and the community. Her efforts are memorable because she went above and beyond.
Local Context
Bass River, Nova Scotia, is a small rural community located along the picturesque Bay of Fundy. While our surroundings are beautiful, the region is considered a ‘food desert,’ with few local grocery options and limited access to fresh, healthy food. This grant has been vital in bridging that gap, exposing students to food systems and healthy eating practices that they might not otherwise encounter.
Looking Ahead
Thanks to the Plant a Seed Grant, we’ve seen firsthand how outdoor learning, food literacy, and community partnerships can inspire our students and brighten their futures. Whether it’s planting flowers, making smoothies, or learning about local aquaculture, these activities have left a lasting impression on our students and our school.
This grant was provided in partnership with the Plant a Seed and See What Grows Foundation
