HCC'S PLAN FOR SCHOOLS

An eight-point plan to enable schools across Wales to improve children's knowledge of diet, nutrition and food preparation was unveiled to Assembly Members by Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC/Meat Promotion Wales) on Tuesday.

The HCC blueprint advocates compulsory food education for 11-14 year olds and calls for the introduction of curriculum changes to create double practical sessions of 100 or 120 minutes to give children more "hands-on" experience. The Welsh red meat body also wants to see additional resources found to pay for sufficient ingredients to enable food preparation to be taught properly and a campaign among parents to raise the status of food education.

At a Senedd reception for Assembly Members, HCC Chairman Rees Roberts launched "Food Race", a new, free, interactive CD-Rom resource to help teachers get over the message of healthy eating and other key food issues.

Mr Roberts said: "The adequate teaching of food is a fundamental element of a child's life at school. Obesity levels in Wales are rising significantly.

"Too many children are leaving school unable to prepare basic, nutritious meals and their food knowledge is limited. Much greater significance must be given to basic food skills."

He added: "During the rest of the year we will link up with other food agencies in Wales to raise these eight points with the Assembly Government and with individual AMs."

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