Agri Aware, the independent agri-food educational body, has launched its annual Incredible Edibles initiative – which teaches primary level students how to grow and cook their own seasonal Irish fruit, vegetables, and herbs. Primary school teachers can avail of this free resource by logging on to www.incredibledibles.ie and registering by Friday February 24.
Schools will receive grow packs including compost, seeds, and curriculum-linked interactive educational resources for students – with lessons on food origin, the health benefits of a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, and cooking tasks. This year’s grow pack includes chive seeds to teach children that the addition of herbs to their meals is a healthy alternative for adding flavour.
Agri Aware’s 2017 Incredible Edibles programme, which is now in its ninth year, 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.
Deirdre O’Shea, executive director of Agri Aware, said: “Every primary school in Ireland now has the resources to grow fruit, vegetables, and herbs as a result of Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles programme. By teaching children how to grow and cook their own food you are guiding them towards a healthier lifestyle. Healthy eating guidelines now suggest that children consume seven-plus 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.”
Last year more than 1,200 schools across Ireland took part in the programme and registration for this year’s project is now open atwww.incredibleedibles.ie Schools will receive grow packs, including compost, seeds and curriculum-linked interactive educational resources for students to complete with their teachers throughout the academic year.
