Growing Chefs! Ontario: FDK-Grade 8 Field Trips

Note: We are undergoing major renovations in our space this fall/​winter, so all field trips will likely start in January at the earliest. As a result, Grade 4 – 6 fall field trips will not take place this school year. 

What to Expect: We are thrilled to offer field trips for FDK-Grade 8 at Growing Chefs! at the Grove. Grove Field Trips will provide a unique learning environment in which students can gain perspective and knowledge about their place within a sustainable food system. Through fun, age-appropriate activities, students will gain hands-on experience with multiple components of a food system including growing, preparing, serving, and/​or composting food products (activities vary depending on the grade). The program is intended to foster critical thinking by challenging students to consider the impacts of their food choices on personal/​community health, the natural environment, and global/​local economies.

Date & Time: Field trips will take place during the 2023 – 2024 school year. Exact dates and times will be booked once the school year begins. FDK field trips will be 2.5 hours long, while Grades 1 – 8 field trips will be 3 hours long.

Location: Field trips will be hosted at our new teaching facility, The Grove at The Western Fair District, located at 900 King St. This facility includes a learning kitchen equipped with audio/​visual supports, classrooms, a heated greenhouse, and a worm composting project.

Grades: We are offering field trips for all elementary school grades, including FDK, Grade 1 – 3, Grades 4 – 6 and Grade 7 – 8. Customized field trips for high school and post-secondary students are also available through our Growing Communities Program.

Pricing: $12/​person (including adults). Cost includes programming and an amazing lunch. We are committed to providing low-cost food education experiences for youth. If cost is a barrier to registration, please contact christy@​growingchefsontario.​ca to explore subsidy options.

Food Allergies: If food allergies are a concern, rest assured that our team is highly experienced in managing dietary restrictions. Do not let a dietary concern prevent your students from participating in our programming. Get in contact with our staff team next school year with details and we’ll do our best to make appropriate accommodations.

Accessibility and Inclusivity: We are proud to announce our facility at The Grove can accommodate wheelchair users, even including our greenhouse and washroom. We also have a gender-inclusive washroom available and are a safe space. Please let our staff team know of any mobility or any needed accommodations in advance, and we will plan accordingly.