AN appeal was this week issued to schools in the northern part of West Devon who might be interested in getting involved in a programme to promote the use of local foods in school meals.
The Tarka Country Trust?s Agenda 21 group is developing a programme to look at ways to overcome barriers to using local produce as part of school meals.
Funded by North West Devon Leader + and the Esmee Fairbairn Charitable Trust, the Tarka Agenda 21 group will work with schools, producers and other interested organisations.
John Hardy, chief executive of the Tarka Country Trust, said: ?We are delighted to be involved with this programme. If schools can help to promote the idea of using local foods to their pupils, they have an ideal opportunity to influence the rural sustainable economy, dietary habits and reduce the distance food travels from the producer to the table.?
David Job, a tutor and researcher into environmental education, and Diana Lee, who helps run a vegetable box scheme from her organic smallholding near Holsworthy, will manage the Local Food for Local Schools programme.
David said he would very much like to hear from ten local schools who would like to participate in the new scheme.
They should contact the Tarka Agenda 21 office by calling 01237 477822 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]