Thousands of pupils set to sow, grow and cook with Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles programme.
According to the National Children’s Food Survey 2019, conducted by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance (IUNA), intakes of fruit and vegetables are still low amongst 5 – 12-year olds in Ireland. It found that children consume about 3 servings per day, which is well below the recommended 5 to 7-a-day. Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles is a free healthy eating initiative that is supported by the Department of Education and the Department of Health through the Healthy Ireland framework, the Department of Agriculture, Bord Bia and the horticulture industry.
Speaking at the launch, Chairman of Agri Aware, Alan Jagoe said: “There are a number of benefits to school gardens. As a farmer myself, it is great to see children learn first-hand how to grow and cook their own healthy foods, as well as learning about the work carried out by Irish farmers to produce food for 50 million consumers worldwide. By empowering students in this way, you are guiding them towards a healthier lifestyle. Healthy eating guidelines now suggest that children consume seven+ portions of fruit and vegetables a day – Incredible Edibles is a free healthy eating resource which teachers can use to increase awareness of the production and consumption of healthy Irish produce”.
To register your school for the project or for further information visit www.incredibleedibles.ie.
Pictured in main image: Sow, Grow and Cook with Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles programme. Pictured (L-R) are Suzanne Finnerty, Meade Potato Company; Alan Jagoe, Chairman Agri Aware; Paul Brosnan, Department of Health; student, Waridath Alao; Niamh Brennan, Irish Farmers Association with 5th class students Grace McClusky, Christina Shaw, Alicjya Kaczmarek and Breda Leonard, Country Crest.
