A recent UPL promotion has resulted in 20 Vegepods being gifted to regional schools to engage kids in learning programs around growing vegetables from a young age.
UPL Australia’s head of marketing and business development Ian Cass said small initiatives like this encourage educating and supporting children to work in agriculture, developing the next generation of leaders in Australian agriculture.
“Encouraging students based in country areas to engage in school-based learning programs around growing vegetables from a young age can lead to a better understanding on the basics of farming, growing crops and pastures, managing soils and the environment.”
Vegepod is a Sydney based company with headquarters on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The Australian owned and operated company started in 2009 and now distributes in 19 countries.
Mr Cass said Vegepod was a natural fit for this promotion. “They believe kids learn through active participation and that students’ wellbeing and resilience is linked to time spent in greenspaces.”
“There are many garden programs available for schools, with most focusing on engaging children in specific tasks around growing vegetables, but Vegepod sees things a little differently.
“They believe that participating is also a central tenet of children’s wellbeing in schools, and for students to be really engaged in gardening (and learning), they need to feel a sense of place and belonging.”
The benefits of constructive time in gardens included lower anxiety, increased sense of wellbeing, improved mindfulness and better concentration.
Vegepods are a portable raised garden bed kit that are self-watering with a wicking bed design with a greenhouse cover.
UPL customers were eligible for one medium Vegepod with a cover and stand for each $100,000 order placed and delivered by the end of March. The Vegepods were gifted exclusively for the purpose of supply to a local school of the customer’s choice.
“UPL are proud to collaborate with our customers and jointly assist with this learning initiative, contributing to the education, health and wellbeing of kids in our regional schools,” Mr Cass said.
