Local children from two London primary schools have taken part in ARAMARK’s annual food and health activity day as part of the company’s commitment to both British Food Fortnight and Let’s Get Cooking initiatives.
Children and their teachers from St Anne’s R C Primary School and Johanna Primary, Oasis Academy: Waterloo in Lambeth joined ARAMARK chefs John Polston and Russell Butcher in live cooking sessions, where they were challenged to bake a traditional apple crumble. Interactive talks and presentations were also held throughout the day, highlighting the importance of using British produce, whether in its raw state or as part of manufacturing. These were supported by Müller who explained the yoghurt making process and the use of British Milk; Peros, who showed the children organic products that use British ingredients; PepsiCo, who focused on crisp production using British potatoes, as well as Copella who talked about using British apples and Quaker Oats, British oats.
Lucia Glynn, Business Manager at Johanna Primary said:
“This event was very important in teaching our children about the importance of healthy eating. The pupils were taught about where food comes from in a practical and exciting way and were delighted to be able to take home the apple crumbles that they baked along with a goodie bag of items from the suppliers. The fact that British food has become such a hot topic in our school since the event shows that the children really took in and understood what was being said to them. I think most of the adults learnt quite a bit too! This year we are working in partnership with ARAMARK to cook healthy food with, and for, our pupils and, as one of the most deprived schools in the country, their support is much appreciated.”
Val Carter, Corporate Responsibility Director, ARAMARK comments:
“A quarter of under-10s are obese in the UK which makes it more important than ever to teach children about healthy eating. The challenge then, is to make the subject interesting to younger people who might find it hard to understand and know what’s best for them. Part and parcel of that is ensuring children know where their food comes from and how it is cooked and what better way to do that than with local, home-grown produce.
“The activity days give the children the opportunity to really engage with food. We have received some great feedback so far and we hope that we’ll have similar success next year. But, most of all, we hope these children will grow up to be happy, healthy adults and pass on their experience to their peers.”
ARAMARK team members around the country will be engaging with their local Lets Get Cooking schools.
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