The award winning Eat Them to Defeat Them campaign from Veg Power has been taking place in over 2,000 schools across the UK.
Schoolchildren at Southglade Primary School have been serving vegetable tasters to their class mates ahead of the recipe day. The catering team have been serving a variety of international Veg Power recipes such as Morrocan Couscous Clash, South American Chilli, African Jollof and Italian Pasta Power Play.
Headteacher Alison Thomas said: "Our children have really enjoyed the Eat Them to Defeat Them campaign this year. The children have loved earning their stickers and then trying the vegetable in the meal option the next day.
“It has really encouraged our children to taste vegetables, that they may have previously refused, and to try the new dinner choices. Each week the children have also had a lesson about each meal choice, so they know where their food has come from.”
The National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) found that 80% of children are not eating enough vegetables, with a third eating less than one portion a day. Veg Power’s survey showed that 57% parents of children who took part in school last year said their children ate more veg.
Dan Parker, chief executive at Veg Power, added: “Parents tell us they are more concerned than ever about their finances and so rejected vegetables really worry them – they simply cannot afford to risk them going to waste.
“Each year Eat Them to Defeat Them turns millions of children into champions for vegetables, pestering their parents to serve them. This enthusiasm is particularly important this year as it will give parents the confidence to keep vegetables in their shopping baskets.”