Robert Goodwill MP spent a morning sizing up potatoes grown by pupils at Goathland School on Friday, as part of a nationwide initiative established by the Potato Council.
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 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. The size and weight of Goathland School’s potatoes will now be measured against over 100 other schools in the region.
With over two million primary school children having benefitted from this classroom experience since it started in 2005, the GYOP programme gives a hands-on approach to teaching children where their food comes from.
Mr Goodwill has also taken part in the scheme, growing his own potatoes at home.
“It was great to see the children so excited about growing their own potatoes – they couldn’t wait to dig them up. I brought mine along to compare in a weigh-off and it turns out the children had a very successful crop this year.
“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,” he said.
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.