School pupils to learn where their food comes from

Youngsters across Scotland are set to learn much more about the food they eat and where it comes from.

A country-wide initiative will see food education play a much greater role in the curriculum as part of a bid to get children to take more interest in nutritious food. A report by the Scotsman newspaper said a team of healthy eating specialists from across the food industry have been brought together to help provide focus and direction for the three-year project.

As well as helping teachers to more easily include food as a topic during lessons, the scheme see pupils making visits to local farms, fisheries and food manufacturers. It's hoped this will in turn lead them to become more aware of the importance of eating healthily, understanding how food gets from farm to fork, and issues surrounding sustainability.

Flora McLean, director of the Scottish Food and Drink Federation, said: "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."

Recent research carried out by the European Food Information Council into fruit and vegetable consumption levels across 19 European countries, found that the average Briton consumed just over 250g per day – far below the 400g recommended by the World Health Organisation.