Research shows that 71% of Australian kids aged 3-17 are not getting the recommended daily intake of fruit and vegetables, prompting schools and communities to improve the way they deliver food literacy to children.
In March, Sydney Markets launched a new school excursion program as part of their Fresh for Kids initiative, which will provide students with a unique 'behind the scenes' insight into the workings of the centralised marketplace. It will also teach students the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables.
The excursions will focus on the journey fresh produce takes from farm to plate. Trained guides will navigate students through the early morning hustle and bustle of the markets, meeting growers, wholesalers and inspecting Sydney Markets' industry-leading sustainability initiatives.
Below, The Educator speaks to Bradley Latham, CEO of Sydney Markets, to find out more.
TE: What do you believe makes Fresh for Kids so effective as a food literacy initiative?
BL: Our ultimate goal is to equip kids with the tools they need to autonomously make healthier choices in their everyday lives. Fresh for Kids’ Market Excursions aim to engage kids on three important tiers: learning the fundamentals and theory behind why it is important to eat fresh fruit and vegetables; physically seeing the fresh produce supply chain at the Markets; and applying this knowledge to everyday life – linking to their homes, lunchboxes and school canteens.
TE: I understand that the program will provide students with a “unique behind the scenes insight into the workings of the centralised marketplace”. Can you tell us more about this?
BL: Students will don high-vis vests and be taken on a guided tour of the markets. Kids will get to experience the markets hands-on. They will learn about how the markets work. For example, guides can give students a comprehensive insight into how the markets work, from trucks bringing some of the freshest produce from farms all over Australia, to it being sold onto local greengrocers. Kids will also get a hands-on experience where they will be introduced to a diverse array of fresh produce, whilst also being exposed to fruit and vegetables they may have never seen before. They will learn about the importance of having a balanced diet full of nutrient rich fresh produce. Sydney Markets’ world-leading sustainability initiatives – Sydney Markets achieves upwards of 70% recycling of all waste onsite. Students will get the chance to learn about Sydney Markets' award-winning sustainability initiatives, including their rooftop solar system (one of Australia’s largest!). The tour will conclude in the all-new ‘Sydney Markets Central’ information and learning hub, with videos to watch, worksheets to complete and a spread of seasonal produce for students to enjoy.
TE: In your view, what are some things school leaders could be doing more of to improve food literacy education and student health more broadly?
BL: Fresh for Kids focuses on improving health literacy and kick-starting healthy habits by focusing on three key areas: education, accessibility and palatability. Fresh for Kids is designed to help teachers educate students on the importance of eating fresh fruit and vegetables. The Fresh for Kids website has a number of free teaching resources developed in collaboration with the NSW Department of Education, including educational video resources, worksheets and fresh produce facts. The program also aims to encourage school canteens and parents to increase accessibility of fresh produce. When kids are surrounded by fresh fruit and vegetables, they become the ‘norm’. Fresh for Kids provides advice on seasonal produce, as well as cost-effective and fun ways to utilise it. Making fruit and vegetables appealing to young palettes can be a challenge, especially when the temptation of refined sugar and salty snacks surrounds them! But, fresh produce doesn't need to be a bowl of bananas and a few apples sitting on the counter of the school canteen. School canteens are becoming incredibly innovative in their approach to fresh produce, whipping up culinary creations that tiny taste buds love - sushi, rice paper rolls, rainbow wraps, fruit cups with yoghurt and the list goes on! Every quarter, Fresh for Kids offers a new collection of seasonal recipes specifically designed to be quick, easy and delicious for school canteens and parents.