More food education for Scots school pupils

SCHOOL pupils are to learn more about the food they eat as part of a £2 million project to improve the nation’s diet.

A group of experts made up of those from the food industry and the education sector will steer the three-year programme, which will help children understand more about their diets and how food impacts on their health and on the environment.

The project, which was announced today by rural affairs secretary Richard Lochhead, will encourage children to visit farms, fishing and food companies to learn more about their health. It will also be made easier for teachers to use food as a topic in Curriculum for Excellence:

Mr Lochhead said: “Whether through farm visits, working with local companies or embedding food topics in the curriculum, food education is key to helping young people understand the role food plays in their lives. By encouraging pupils to learn more about these issues they can have the facts they need at their disposal to make informed choices for their future.

“It’s no secret that Scotland faces issues around the health of our nation and – like every other country – we need to protect our environment and face up to the challenges around climate change.

“Food education has an important role to play in this, helping our youngsters make healthier choices and ensuring they are more aware of the importance of eating sustainably. That’s why every schoolchild in Scotland will benefit from the food education package announced today.”

Flora McLean, director of the Scottish Food and Drink Federation (SFDF), added: “By using the food and drink industry as context for learning, we can support teachers and facilitate pupils’ understanding of a range of diverse issues, from sustainability right through to science and health and wellbeing.”