The program teaches children not only how to grow vegetables, but also provides them with experience cooking them. 

It was expanded thanks to collaboration between Inverell’s Bun-nings and New England Mutual. 

Inverell Public School teacher Leslie Beattie said the extra beds were fabulous for the students.

“We’ve had some great feedback from the parents, and with the help of Bunnings and the Credit Union we’re just thrilled,” she said.

“The children are learning about healthy lifestyles and eating, and they’re learning about gardening.

“They’re growing their own produce, taking it down to the kitchen, cooking it and eating it with their friends and adult helpers and enjoying a meal.”

Bunnings’ activity organiser Katie Baxter said the company was more than happy to help any schools or community groups with their projects.

“There’s close to $300 worth of soil that was donated by Yates, and we donated all the seedlings,” she said.

New England Mutual manager Alex Ribeiro said his staff had also donated their time. Including himself, there were five staff members present of help the students plant the new garden beds.

“It’s been a pleasure,” Mr Ribeiro said.

“Health and education is a big focus for us. It’s a worthwhile investment for us, because we do invest in the community, not only in banking.”

Mr Ribeiro said his staff had helped buy the raised beds together.

“Fortunately, I had the children with us to give us a hand. They certainly knew their way around a wing nut,” he said with a laugh.

“They seem to have a well-educated green thumb.”