On 19^th July, the ‘Compensar Magazine’ (digital version) in their section ‘Comprendiendo’ (Understanding) published an article entitled ‘A healthy option: grow your own produce.’ It has become an increasing problem in this country, to eat in a healthy way. There are a growing number of movements that guarantee that what we eat is natural and healthy. We are proud of the fact that Saint George’s School is part of this movement.

In the last few years, urban agriculture has increased considerably in our capital. In 2016 alone, the Mayor of Bogotá endorsed the creation of 300 orchards for families and communities. Our School is part of this incentive to change eating habits. It all began with problems arising from the watering of the produce as well as its availability and price stability. This led to a rethinking of the entire process and here in School, we have created our own orchards.

We produce different varieties of lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, coriander, beetroot, courgettes, zucchini, peppers, chili peppers, tree tomatoes and other fruit as well as herbs, free from chemicals and fertilised with compost derived from organic matter and residue from the School.

‘We are trying to instil a healthy life style into our students. Our policy is the daily consumption of fruit and vegetables; we offer them quality, organic food.’ This from the nutritionist Monica Cortes who is in charge of the Food Service. ‘Furthermore, we don’t have changes or shortages. Our students understand the benefits of cultivating their own food.’

Presently, the orchards provide 80% of the School’s consumption but our goal is to increase this and to even be able to provide for School families.

Compensar Magazine