Through the generous support of our many donors, LKAITC initiated two new projects in 2009. The Lambton “Spring Day" program and the “Healthy Eating Club” projects were piloted. The harvest season was celebrated with over 650 grade three students participating in our “Harvest Days” program at Ridgetown Campus.  LKAITC continues to support The Science Education Partnership to develop new agricultural based resource kits for classrooms.

Lambton “Spring Days” invited the Lambton family of schools to the grade 4 curriculum based program. Over 400 students engaged in many hands–on activities at the Children’s Animal Farm in Canatara Park, Sarnia. Class bookings for the 2010 edition are almost complete and we anticipate lots of fun and education with the Agriculture theme.

The Healthy Eating Club was piloted at London Road Public School in Sarnia and Thamesville Area Central School in Thamesville. Forty-two students from grades 6, 7 & 8 with a good mixture of boys and girls took part. The promotion of healthy eating habits, encouraging students to try new foods, along with raising awareness of where their food comes from were the main goals of this project. Various commodity groups presented information to the students highlighting the importance that agriculture plays in everyone’s daily lives. The project received positive feedback from students, presenters & school officials who are keen for the project to continue and expand. Funding for this project was provided in part by Ontario Agri-Food Education Inc.

Our annual Gala Dinner "A Taste of Lambton-Kent" is a successful fundraiser for the committee.  This multi-course meal which occurs every March is overwhelmingly successful with wonderful food creations thanks to Chef Raymond.  The silent and live auction makes for an interesting and fun evening and helps to raise funds for the organization.  The generous sponsorship and ticket sales from this event fund our education efforts throughout the year.  Over the years, we have had good community support with donations assisting the committee in providing agricultural awareness to the consumers of tomorrow.

Lambton-Kent Agriculture in the Classroom (LKAITC) committee is operated by volunteers as a non-profit organization, delivering successful agricultural programs to local school children.  The hands-on approach to learning used by the programs we are involved with are the key to the education process.  Increasing awareness of the agri-food industry continues to be the mandate of the committee.

COMMITTEE CONTACTS:

Chairperson - Dennis Bryson

Vice Chairperson - Lynn Girty

Treasurer - Kyla Reid

Secretary - Marlene Morris