Pupils and teachers at a village primary school have been chosen to pilot a new government initiative which will see them grow their own organic food.
Longmeadow Primary School and nursery in Bayston Hill will be one of only six schools in the West Midlands to becom
e involved in the Food For Life Partnership.
Teacher Gary Faulkner said: “It is hoped that in one year we will be up to the standard where schools can come to see what we are doing in order to get guidance or general ideas.”
Ryton-based charity, ‘Garden Organic’ will be working with the school to help develop allotments suitable for growing organic food.
It is hoped that the drive to get healthy will inspire the pupils and encourage them to adopt a healthy eating pattern.
Digging and planting is expected to take place in the grounds of Longmeadow later this month.
A school nutrition action group has also been set up for the governors, head teacher, parents and children from the school council to come together and decide on new ideas, such as the introduction of a healthy food tuck shop.
Mr Faulkner said: “We will use the allotments to sow seeds and grow vegetables and at the end of the year we hope to sell the produce or use it in the school’s kitchen.
“The children will be able to eat peas out of a pod rather than out of a tin and they will be able to sense the different tastes and textures.
“This is a fabulous opportunity for our school to promote healthy living for today and for the future,” added Mr Faulkner
Anyone able to supply the school with materials or tools, such as wooden planks, floorboards, paving slabs, a wheelbarrow or bamboo canes can contact the school’s financial administrator Emma Hunting on 01743 874829.