Sodexho teams up with Year of Food and Farming campaign

The campaign, running until July 2008, aims to help children find out more about the countryside and where their food comes from through memorable, first-hand learning experiences. Throughout the year, farmers, food producers and many other organisations will be offering a range of ideas and events, information and teaching materials for participating schools. Sodexho will be running cookery workshops at around 500 primary and prep schools across the country. The aim of the activities is to show children where bread comes from and to explain about its nutritional benefits when eaten as part of a balanced diet. In the workshops, children will learn about wheat and the products that can be made from it and then will make some bread. They will add ingredients such as corn and raisins and will be shown the grapes and ears of corn. The children will take home an activity information book which will include information about healthy eating, a food diary, a pizza recipe and general information about wheat products. Michelle Hanson, managing director, Sodexho Education, said: "Our main aim is to provide children with fresh, healthy and tasty food and to inform them about the importance of a balanced diet. We are delighted to be supporting the Year of Food and Farming initiative and to be able to involve over 9,000 children in practical, educational and fun activities." Tony Cooke, programme director of Year of Food and Farming, said: "I am delighted that Sodexho is supporting the Year of Food and Farming. As a major player in school meals, it is really encouraging to see the importance they place upon young people understanding about where their food comes from." Sodexho Education has over 50 years' experience in the education market and provides meals to around 800 primary and secondary schools across the country. Weblink: www.sodexho.co.uk