Robert Goodwill MP spent a morning sizing up potatoes grown by pupils at Lindhead Primary School, as part of a nationwide initiative established by AHDB (Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board) Potatoes.
The Grow Your Own Potatoes (GYOP) scheme is a project that teaches primary school children how potatoes grow and how they fit into a healthy, balanced diet.
The programme, supported by Scarborough-based McCain Foods, includes a variety of activities, from planting to harvesting, with schools able to compete nationally and regionally for the heaviest crop and the largest potatoes grown. Lindhead have had the added support of Peter Staveley from Newby and Scalby in Bloom, who visits six schools in the area to run interactive sessions on potato and vegetable growing.
This year, Mr Goodwill also took part in the Grow Your Own Potatoes scheme at home.
“I managed to harvest a great crop - but I think the children surpassed me on this occasion, with over one and a half kilograms of potatoes. It was great to see them so excited about digging them up. It’s essential that we’re active in ensuring young people in the area know where their food comes from and I’m delighted that schemes like this exist.”
Corporate Affairs Manager for McCain, Andra Stan, said: ‘’As part of McCain Foods’ commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles, we work to provide healthier versions of staple foods and back schemes such as Grow Your Own Potatoes.
“We’re delighted to be supporting an initiative that helps children to learn how their food is grown and the importance of a balanced diet.”
With over two million primary school children having benefitted from this classroom experience since it started 10 years ago, the Grow Your Own Potatoes programme gives a hands-on approach to teaching children where their food comes from.