Inspiring school supplier of the month

As it is the Easter Holidays we thought we would give teachers a break and focus on local retailers and chefs and how they can become involved with local schools.  The best people to make the young aware of the diverse and delicious food that Britian has to offer are those who produce, sell and cook it. This month we look at Yorkshire Farmers who deliver fresh fruit and vegetables direct from the farm to local schools

The Organic Pantry is based at Fanny and Jonnie Watson's 300 acre farm at Newton Kyme, near Tadcaster. They deliver direct from the farm to Park Grove Primary, Boston Spa Comprehensive and St Wilfred's School. Jonnie is thrilled that the schools are recognising the benefits of locally sourced, freshly delivered produce.  He says "It is widely known that schools are moving away from processed foods in favour of meals freshly prepared on site, but less widely known is that some progressive schools are going one step further and opting for locally grown produce."

The schools are also encouraged to visit the farm and to study the seasonal crop list.  The children find it fascinating to go and see the fruit and vegetables being grown and to understand the geographical and scientific factors involved in this process and then to return to school and have it served to them for lunch.  As Fanny Watson says, "All of our home grown fruit and vegetables are picked to order, so the produce can be in the school kitchen within an hour of being picked - you can't get fresher than that!  The school cooks say that the pupils are eating more fruit and vegetables.  It just goes to show that fresh IS best."

For more information on The Organic Pantry [click here].

For more information on becoming involved with your local school [click here].