School pupils inspired by British Food Fortnight
On Tuesday 25th September, Year 5 pupils at Bartley Junior School went on a journey of discovery guided by a local cheese maker, a jam maker, a fruit grower and a bread maker.
Organised by Hampshire Fare in conjunction with HC3S, the event was arranged to mark British Food Fortnight. This national celebration, running from 22nd September until the 7th October, raises awareness of the benefits of buying and eating from the British larder.
Mike Smales from Lyburn Farm captured the children’s attention with talk of farm life and how 330 kilos of his award-winning cheese are made every day. Romilla Arber, from Honesty Group, showed the pupils the difference between additive-free freshly baked bread and the familiar longer life brands.
Romilla commented on the experience: “It is great to be part of British Food Fortnight. Helping children to learn about the provenance of their food is absolutely essential if we want people to appreciate the importance of eating locally and seasonally.”
Pupils also learnt how strawberries and other fruits are grown locally by New Forest Fruits. Jennifer Williams from Naked Jam then spoke to the children about how she makes her award-winning jam from local and foraged fruits.
Year 5 teacher, Mr Walter, commented on the morning’s activities: “The event was fun and fascinating, with local producers wowing the children with their lovely products and their descriptions of how they were produced and brought to market. The children had a great time, some delicious treats and they learned a lot!
It is very important to make the children aware of the variety of the area's local produce and how they can support British food producers. Events like today's help them to understand where their food comes from.”
This is the fourth year that Hampshire Fare has spent British Food Fortnight in a local school. The aim is to leave each school with the contacts and knowledge to hold their own similar event in the future therefore leaving a British Food Fortnight legacy.
Tracy Nash, Commercial Manager of Hampshire Fare commented: “We really value the opportunity to plant the seed in young minds that where your food comes from is an important consideration when choosing what to consume. We have loved working with our local producers today to give Year 5 pupils at Bartley School an insight into how their food is made and what they can buy here in Hampshire.”
