Thursday, May 27, 2010

Urban Farming....City Kids

busy exploring the compost piles and the greenhouse

It seems to me that urban farming is all the rage these days. My backyard chicken lecture was very well attended. This blog and that blog are shouting out their message of bringing the food security right to your own back yard or community garden! Yet I wonder if this is just the bubble I choose to live in? Is this message of slowing down and working to feed and bring your family together really getting that far?

mini lecture from farmer Sasha

The children in these photos are kids who live mostly live in apartments and spend their days inside a classroom. No green or even open space is available. Most of them have no pets. How are you supposed to connect with humanity without a deep connection to the natural world around you.

my oldest in the lower left corner looking on

It was nothing short of awe inspiring to watch these children squeal with delight at the sight of the chicken flock, marvel at each unique egg, run from bed to bed anxious to see what was growing and if they could eat it.


My own children were present and rather dumbfounded by the school childrens reactions. This is all old hat for my kids but as the moments ticked by I saw the deep appreciation dawn in my daughters eyes. What a gift. What awesome teachers who work so hard to connect with these kids and give them a different view of the world.