Pupils from 45 primary schools visited Scolton Manor near Haverfordwest last week to learn about healthy eating and local seasonal produce ‘from farm to fork’.
‘Grow it, Cook it, Eat it’, which took place in an outdoor classroom environment, was enjoyed by more than 1,200 pupils from all over Pembrokeshire.
Organiser Kate Morgan, Food Officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, said the event – now in its eighth year – went really well. “The kids loved it, and we had great feedback from the teachers,” she said.
“It’s not just about healthy eating – it’s about the big picture; growing your own food, enjoying local produce, kitchen hygiene, and understanding the importance of farming and looking after the countryside.”
The five different workshops were:
- Learning the skills to grow plants to eat- practical planting and ideas on starting their own garden or plot.
- Eating the food we produce, with Welsh chef Angela Gray – pupils learnt how to make spicy pork wraps with local pork from Yerbeston Gate farm shop, with a crunchy salad, followed by a delicious apple cake made with British apples.
- A walk in the park – care of the countryside and sustainable farming
- What’s in a label? – how to choose the right foods, plus food rationing in World War II
- Health, nutrition and food safety – ‘Aliddon’ pantomime from the Food Standards Agency.
The event is organised by Pembrokeshire County Council with support from the Food Standards Agency, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Hywel Dda Health Board, and the W.I.
It is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government with additional sponsorship from Murco, FUW, Hybu Cig Cymru, NFU Cymru, and NFU Mutual.
Councillor Sian James, Cabinet Member for the Voluntary Sector, Health and Well-Being said the event compliments several successful healthy eating initiatives led by the County Council.
“As well as the highlighting the importance of good nutrition, this event is great for teaching children how it relates to local seasonal produce, the environment, and sustainability,” she said.
