LACA’S NSMW ‘Taste For Yourself’ Tour enjoy a day down on the farm
The LACA National School Meals Week (NSMW) ‘Taste for Yourself’ tour gathered pace on Friday 8thNovember with a visit at 12 noon to the Harper Adams University in Telford.
The visit to the Harper Adams Agricultural College in the LACA West Midlands Region was a great opportunity to visit the leading specialist university tackling the future development of the planet’s food production and in particular dairy. LACA recently responded to the National Food Strategy’s call for evidence and the UK dairy sector plays a key role in providing nutritious and sustainable produce to pupils across the UK.
With over 30 children from four schools present, all neatly attired in their mini-chefs’ outfits helping LACA’s National School Chef of the Year Steven Cross prepare and cook a celebratory menu of delicious food and a number of dignitaries present, it made for an exciting and colourful scene.
Cllr Stephen Reynolds, Mayor of Telford and Wrekin said “We are here today at the wonderful Harper Adams University to put across the message of the importance of healthy, locally sourced produce in school meals. Harper Adams is a renowned seat of learning for veterinary, agriculture, dairy produce and all aspects of healthy eating in the farming community”
Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Labour, Dylan Harrison added: “Here in Shropshire, we are very well off for locally sourced produce, which is a vital part of school meals and, importantly, they in turn support local industries. Today’s excellent event also has the added benefit of educating children as to what is around them”
Kim Chadwick, Outreach Manager at Harper Adams said “We work closely with a local school, Wombridge Primary, to help them produce some of their own food, which is then used in school meals. It is a great initiative and so educational for the pupils”
LACA regional Member, Lorna Hicks commented: “We had four schools represented today and the children had a wonderful and enlightening day”LACA Director and former Chair, Carrieanne Bishop concluded “We have had a fantastic day and a big vote of thanks to Harper Adams University for their very generous hospitality, they have been amazing. The children thoroughly enjoyed helping Chef Steven, and loved the delicious food on offer; more importantly they have learned about the importance of good healthy and nutritious dairy produce in their diet. The highlight of the day however, has to be the Mayor, Cllr Reynolds, jumping into the kitchen and helping Steven prepare, cook and serve the food – complete with ceremonial chain – absolutely priceless!!”