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 visiting www.incredibledibles.ie and registering by this 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 Incredible Edibles programme is now in its ninth year and was launched at St Philip’s SNS, Clonsilla with the help of fourth class pupils who love fruit and vegetables and have developed their growing and cooking skills thanks to the Incredible Edibles programme.
Agri Aware’s Incredible Edibles free healthy eating initiative 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.
Agri Aware chairman, Richard Moeran, said: “As a farmer myself, I understand how empowering learning where your food comes from can be. Giving children the tools to sow, grow, harvest, and cook their own Irish produce will give them an appreciation for fruit, vegetables, and herbs and help them make healthy food choices in years to come.”
Deirdre O’Shea, executive director of Agri Aware, added: “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.”
Last year over 1,200 schools across Ireland took part in the programme, and registration for this year’s project is now open. 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.
Incredible Edibles committee chairman, Mike Neary of Bord Bia, commented, “Incredible Edibles is the perfect educational tool to teach children about the importance of eating quality Irish food. We are delighted to see so many teachers encouraging children to enjoy seven-plus portions of fruit and vegetables a day.”
For more information, visit www.incredibleedibles.ie or www.agriaware.ie
