seed to Plate

An Enrichment Program for the Colorado Front Range

What it is:

Seed to Plate is Slow Food Denver’s middle school and high school enrichment program that teaches teens the entire seed-to-plate process. Our goal is to provide an interactive learning environment transforming students from passive food consumers to creators, and in doing so increase their health awareness. This learner-driven approach inspires students to develop healthy, lifelong eating habits by making the connection between where food comes from and how it is prepared. Students will learn practical kitchen skills while gaining confidence and independence in creating dishes they enjoy. Participation in the entire seed to table experience results in a more intimate relationship with food and deep respect for the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I bring seed to plate to my child’s school?

If you are a parent looking to bring this program to your child’s school or a faculty member hoping to expand your school’s programs, please fill out our School Interest Form and a member of the Slow Food Denver team will get back to you shortly!

What does Slow Food Denver provide?

Each Seed to Plate Class provides:

  • An experienced and passionate Instructor. Each of our instructors pass a background check prior to beginning our program.
  • All necessary supplies for a fun and engaging class, including produce and food used in class.
  • Notebooks for students to use throughout the program to jot down recipes and notes.
  • Healthy and tasty recipes based off of Slow Food USA’s school garden curriculum
  • School garden support
  • A safe learning environment to foster exploratory cooking that empowers students to follow their intuition and make dishes based on their taste preferences

What does the school need to provide?

A space large enough to fit 15 students comfortably that has access to a sink and an outlet.

How many students are in each class?

Our class sizes range between 10-15 students per class.

My child’s school does not have a garden, can we still hold the program?

Absolutely! Even without a garden, classes will focus on seasonality and helping students develop an understanding of where their food comes from.

What is the cost for Seed to Plate?

Program cost is $16 – $20 per student, per class.

What is the duration of the Seed to Plate enrichment program?

Lil’ Sprouts is a seasonal program. Each season the program runs between 4-12 weeks, based on school preference and schedule.

How long is each Seed to Plate class?

Each class is 60 minutes in length

My child has a severe allergy. Can he/she still participate in the class?

Of course! We take food allergies and dietary restrictions very seriously. Please specify any allergies on our registration form and we ensure those foods are not brought into the classroom.

Is it possible to have more than one class per week at a school?

Yes! We have a handful of schools that offer the class multiple days a week.

Is Seed to Plate for all grade levels?

Seed to Plate includes grades 6-12. 

Is it possible for me to volunteer in my child’s class?

Yes.  If you are interested in volunteering assisting any or all of our Seed to Plate classes please make note in the registration form.

Can my school host a single Seed to Plate class?

Yes! A single Cooking from the Garden class is $100.

HOW IT WORKS:

Seed to Plate classes are held weekly before, during and after-school. These 60 minute classes incorporate the school garden through planting, maintaining, harvesting and preparing food in seasonal cooking classes. Host schools are not required to have a garden in order to participate. Classes still incorporate the garden through indoor activities and education that fosters seasonality, where food comes from, and how it is grown. Our program utilizes the Slow Food USA School Garden Curriculum, written by Denver local, Gigia Kolouch.

The program runs seasonally for 4-12 week sessions, depending on the season and school schedule. Average class size is 12 students and we provide an experienced instructor and all the supplies needed for each class.

These classes are taught both virtually and in person.

Interested in bringing Seed to Plate to your school? Please complete the School Interest Form

School Registration:

Please select your school from the list provided to complete your registration form.

Where we teach:

  • Morey Middle School
  • STRIVE Prep – Kepner
  • STRIVE Prep – SMART