The meat-free product provider will partner with 30 local authorities and education contract caterers for up to 120 schools to educate children in an age-relevant way about the benefits to them and the planet when they eat less meat.
Phil Thornborrow, head of foodservice at Quorn said: “We’re encouraging children, schools and menu planners to thin carefully about the food choices they’re making today and the impact these decisions will have, both on children’s wellbeing and the future of the planet. In doing so, we’re making health and sustainability relevant to children and their teachers in a fun, friendly, informative way.
“The superheroes initiative forms part of an on-going campaign to inspire future generations to be healthier, in a more sustainable world. At a time when 34% of children finishing year 6 are overweight or obese, we need to do more to improve their health, wellbeing and knowledge and offer more nutritious options.”
The first phase of the Quorn Superheroes campaign began in Spring and resulted in a 21% increase in children identifying protein as one of the main three food groups.
Quorn home economists will visit participating schools from October to December, demonstrating up to eight recipes in hour-long interactive cookery sessions using the core foodservice products that are relevant to primary school menus.
“This is built on our belief in sustainable nutrition and a vision to make food that’s better for us and the planet. For example, if every four to 16-year-old pupil in the UK swapped beef mince for Quorn mince once a week, they would reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of lying from London to Glasgow over 6.5 million times.”