ΜΠΑΡΜΠΑ ΣΤΑΘΗΣ

BARBA STATHIS, with its enduring commitment to promoting balanced nutrition and shaping children's dietary habits, invests in innovative programs that aim to spread awareness of the nutritional value of vegetables, prevent childhood obesity, and reconnect children with nature. The educational program “Little Farmers” is another corporate responsibility initiative by BARBA STATHIS and has already received a warm welcome from the local educational community in Thessaloniki. Plans are underway to expand it to schools across Greece. Through “Little Farmers,” BARBA STATHIS takes a meaningful step to bring children closer to the land and sustainable agri-food practices. The company consistently invests in the new generation through actions that foster environmental awareness, cultivate a love for nature, and promote healthy eating habits among young students. Starting in Thessaloniki and in collaboration with Open Farm, BARBA STATHIS aims to introduce children to the colorful world of vegetables and transform grey schoolyards into green spaces throughout Greece.

The “Little Farmers” Educational Program is initially aimed at primary school students in Thessaloniki, with plans for nationwide expansion. Launched in May 2025, the first participating schools were located in western Thessaloniki. Within just a few months, the program trained 200 students aged 6–12 and 30 educators. Notably, this is the first time such a multifaceted educational program has been offered to schools in Northern Greece, specifically in the Region of Central Macedonia, giving students a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant world of vegetables through hands-on workshops focused on balanced nutrition, soil regeneration, and biodiversity.

The “Little Farmers” Educational Program was launched in May 2025, with its first phase scheduled to conclude in November 2025. Given the success of the initial phase and the high volume of requests received, the program is set to continue dynamically in 2026, reaching even more students in additional regions.

“Little Farmers” is a new initiative by BARBA STATHIS designed for the younger generation, centered around sustainable agri-food education. The program targets primary school students and is already being implemented in schools in Thessaloniki, in collaboration with the Open Farm team. Through “Little Farmers,” students have the opportunity to create their own school vegetable garden in the schoolyard. During the program, children discover the nutritional value of vegetables and the role of farming practices in environmental protection through specially designed experiential workshops on balanced nutrition, soil regeneration, and biodiversity.

The program flow includes:

Hands-on workshops on vegetable cultivation

Theoretical sessions on balanced nutrition

Practical activities such as soil preparation and planting

Souvenirs for students and their families after each visit

The program was designed by a team of specialized collaborators who considered the unique learning needs of each age group, creating a flexible structure that adapts to engage its young audience. Importantly, “Little Farmers” is crafted to stimulate all senses for deeper learning, including sensory activities that encourage children to step outside the classroom and become the “Little Farmers” of their school garden

For the design and implementation of the school vegetable gardens, BARBA STATHIS collaborates with the expert team at Open Farm, ensuring scientific rigor and best practices.

The “Little Farmers” Educational Program involves 10 individuals, including BARBA STATHIS employees and external partners, all specially trained to meet the program’s needs.

The “Little Farmers” Educational Program is conducted in selected primary schools in Thessaloniki, with imminent plans for expansion across Greece. The first participating schools are located in western Thessaloniki.

The “Little Farmers” Educational Program has proven to be a multidimensional tool for environmental and nutritional education, offering students the opportunity to actively participate in the creation and care of a school vegetable garden.

Through experiential workshops and hands-on practice, children gained valuable knowledge about the nutritional value of vegetables, soil regeneration, and the importance of biodiversity, enhancing their understanding of the interconnections between humans and the natural environment.

The initiative aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), delivering both measurable and qualitative outcomes:

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: Through caring for the vegetable garden, students gain a deep understanding of the value of agricultural production and self-sufficiency, while becoming aware of food insecurity and the importance of access to fresh and healthy food.

SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being: Participation in the program promotes the adoption of healthy eating habits, as students are practically educated on the nutritional value of food and the necessity of a balanced diet. Consuming the products they grow, when possible, further strengthens the connection between theory and practice.

SDG 4 – Quality Education: The program applies experiential teaching methods, encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, making learning meaningful and emotionally enriching. Its interdisciplinary approach enhances active participation and student autonomy.

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Integrating cultivation practices into urban school environments transforms schoolyards into vibrant green learning hubs and community spaces. It strengthens the sense of belonging and care for shared spaces.

SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Students engage with the concept of responsible food production, learning to avoid waste, respect natural resources, and understand the consequences of their daily choices on the environment and society.

The completion of the first phase of the program yielded significant measurable results. In all participating schools, there was strong interest in the school garden and vegetable cultivation. Educators observed improvements in student collaboration and responsibility. Overall, the program contributed to the development of a new environmental and social consciousness among students, empowering them as future citizens with a sense of responsibility toward nature, nutrition, and their communities.

Through the “Little Farmers” educational program, BARBA STATHIS takes responsible action that significantly strengthens its relationship with the local community, promoting values of contribution, solidarity, and environmental awareness. By being present in schools and engaging with children, parents, and educators, the company cultivates trust and reinforces its role as an active and responsible social partner.

Launched in May 2025, the first phase of the program involved two schools in Thessaloniki, with more than 200 students and 30 educators participating in hands-on activities such as gardening and cultivating vegetables and aromatic herbs.

At the same time, the implementation of the “Little Farmers” program enhances the company’s brand equity, shaping BARBA STATHIS’s image as a “wise nourisher”—a company that not only offers products but actively cares for the nutritional future of the next generation. This strategic approach strengthens the emotional connection between the public and the company and reinforces its long-term reputation and credibility.

Moreover, the connection with the educational community opens new channels for collaboration and lays the foundation for designing further educational initiatives tailored to the real needs of children. The positive feedback already recorded serves as a measurable indicator of success and encourages the expansion of the program nationwide. Plans are already underway to implement the program in schools in Attica and Central Macedonia for the 2025–2026 school year.