As chairperson of the adjudicating panel, I was delighted to be involved with this project again this year, and to announce the winners of the competition. Despite being bombarded with statistics about obesity and malnutrition, this project proves that students understand the importance of healthy eating, both in a theoretical and practical sense. This year, I was particularly impressed by the many innovative ways the students chose to educate their peers about the importance of eating healthily.
The competition developed by Agri Aware and sponsored by Bord Bia, challenges students to develop a healthy meal from locally sourced Irish produce. They were also required to interview a local food producer who is an approved member of the Bord Bia Quality Programme and develop an innovative strategy to communicate the importance of healthy eating in their schools. This year approximately 500 groups entered the competition.
Mairead Lavery, Chairman of Agri Aware highlighted the way in which the project encompasses so many current issues, and how young people are not only making nutritious and healthy food choices, they are now also aware of where their food is produced.
Award Winning Chef Neven Maguire treated us to a cookery demonstration on the day. To further their healthy eating habits, the two winning schools will be treated to an all expenses paid farm and culinary workshop at Neven’s MacNean House and Bistro in Co Cavan.
26th March 2007
Keep in mind that research on these matters is on-going and is subject to change. The information presented is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment. It is intended to provide ongoing support of your healthy lifestyle practices.
