Eco-Schools Scotland launches its new Food & Environment topic

Mar 24 2011 by Cameron Hay, Paisley Daily Express

CHILDREN across Renfrewshire will soon be learning about the food we eat as part of an eco-schools campaign.

A new food and environment topic has been launched with the aim of informing pupils where food comes from, how it arrives on their dinner plate, and how it impacts on the environment.

Fergus Ewing MSP, the government minister for community safety, launched the new eco-schools topic that aims to inspire action towards more sustainable food choices and explore issues relating to local and global food perspectives.

Mr Ewing said: “We need our children to better understand food, where it comes from and the impact it has on the environment.

“This is one of the key aims of Scotland’s national food and drink policy. That is why I am delighted to launch the Eco-Schools Scotland new food and environment topic which is being rolled out across Scotland.

“Pupils will benefit through getting involved in a range of activities that will encourage them to think more about the world around them, such as school food growing projects, practical experience of soils, seasons and culinary skills, and actions to reduce food waste.

“A better understanding of the importance of food and its relationship with the environment benefits everyone.”

Kate Campbell, Manager of Eco-Schools Scotland added: “We see so many schools already engaged in exciting projects looking at growing, harvesting and eating food and looking at more global issues, such as food miles and fair trade, that the introduction of this topic gives schools the ‘permission’ to investigate this theme further.”