b'Reaping the benefits of anoutdoor classroomBy Shauna DeBodtStudentsatFairviewCommunitySchoolhavetakentheclassroomoutdoors.Nanaimo Foodshare has partnered with Fairview to help teach students about food sustainability.The students have learned how to build a structure around a seed, to secure it before planting. They have learned about different plants, gardening, harvesting and different growth patterns. There are many benefits to a garden, including the physical produce that is grown.Students were learning about the advantages of planting a gardenfrom the positive environmental impact, to the freshness of the produce.Producing organic products and being able to pick your produce when its ripe are other benefits to enjoy when planting your own garden.And as gardeners know, you cant buy that kind of freshness in a grocery store.Gardens help promote healthy eating habits and are proven to reduce stress, increase happiness and provide gardeners a form of exercise.Kale, sunflowers, herbs and edible flowers are just a few of the many items grown in the raised garden beds outside Fairivew Community School.This fall, students have been able to sample some of the produce and cook with it.Supplies from the garden can also be used as part of the fresh items used for Souper Wednesdays.Souper Wednesdays happen once a week from October until March.Parentvolunteersprepareenoughsouptofeedtheentireschoolcommunity.Abowlof homemade soup is available for $1 a bowl and for an extra $1, students and staff can purchase a glass of white or chocolate milk.It is a popular event that has been running for 17 years.You will often see parents drop in with their young children, some who are attending the StrongStart Centre or have siblings at the school.It is a real community event that would not be sustainable without the support of the volunteers helping in the kitchenthe preparation, cooking, serving and clean up.Fairview Community School has great community spirit this fall!Page6'