First Minister launches food education programme

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has launched a food education programme for children and young people at the Royal Highland Show. 

The Good Food Futures programme is backed by £1 million of investment and will teach children and young people about Scotland's food industry.

The programme aims to give children a better understanding of where food comes from and the many career opportunities available in the industry. There will also be support for more farm visits, healthy cooking lessons and to put more locally produced healthy food on school menus.

Speaking at the Royal Highland Show at Ingliston, the First Minister said:

"Scottish produce is enjoyed across the globe and Scots work in many of the world’s finest kitchens. I want people to enjoy our quality food, but I also want children and young people growing up here to benefit from it too.

"The Good Food Futures programme will help more children understand where their food comes from as well as benefit from it in their school meals. It will also encourage more young people to consider a career in the industry.

"In introducing more of our produce to children and young people, we will help farmers, food producers, manufacturers and businesses benefit in the longer term too.

"This is central to our work to become a Good Food Nation and the Royal Highland Show – with its focus on the best of Scottish produce - provides the perfect place to launch this programme."

The Good Food Futures food education programme is being delivered in partnership with:

• Royal Highland Education Trust (RHET) through farm visits and farm events. Children will learn about where food comes from and about farming in Scotland.

• Education Scotland and Food for Thought. The Food For Thought programme has been running for several years and provides funding to support schools in teaching teach children about growing and cooking healthy food.

• Soil Association though the Food for Life Programme aims to stimulate more local sourcing through a holistic approach encompassing catering and supply chain work and education.

• Through Scotland Food and Drink, Scottish Ministers are supporting the Food and Drink Federation to deliver a package of support for children and young people to learn about and enjoy good food and to encourage young people into careers in the food industry.