Julian Joins Pupils as Part of Potato Project
July 21, 2016
Julian recently spent a morning sizing up potatoes grown by pupils at Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy in Strensall, as part of a nationwide initiative run by AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) Potatoes.
The Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) scheme is a project that teaches primary school children how potatoes grow as well as how they fit into a healthy, balanced diet.
The programme, which is supported by McCain Foods, includes a variety of activities, from planting to harvesting, with schools able to compete nationally and regionally for the heaviest crop and the largest potatoes grown.
With over two million primary school children having benefitted from this classroom experience since it launched 11 years ago, the GYOP programme gives a hands-on approach to teaching children where their food comes from.
Speaking after the visit, Julian said: “It’s more important than ever to make children aware about where their food comes from and I was delighted to hear that pupils found growing their own potatoes so exciting. Educating about nutrition, weather charts and cooking is all part of this scheme and it was a great pleasure to see the children enjoying this fun day of learning.
Mrs Mould, Pre-School Teacher at Robert Wilkinson Primary Academy said: “The children have loved the whole experience of planting, caring for and harvesting the potatoes. It has led to a lot of discussion around healthy eating and lifestyles. We are very excited about cooking and eating them during our Potato Day next week!”
