LEEKED RESEARCH: KIDS DON’T KNOW THEIR VEGIES
AUSTRALIAN children are becoming less aware of where the food on their plate comes from and many cannot identify common vegies.
Research conducted by Woolworths last month found the number of children knowing where foods such as broccoli, potatoes and ham came from declined by 16 per cent over the past seven years.
The study of more than 1000 six to 14-year-olds also found 55 per cent had not visited a farm with plants and crops, and only half could recognise vegetables such as beetroot and leek.
The research – supported by a 2020 Primary Industries Education Foundation Australia study – came as Woolworths announced its Fresh Food for Kids Discovery Tour program would return next year after it was put on hold because of Covid.
Aligned with the school curriculum, the program provides opportunities for students to learn where their food comes from as well as find out more about Australian agriculture through virtual and augmented reality technologies.
PIEFA chief executive Luciano Mesiti said the program was ”vitally important” to bridging the gap in students’ agricultural knowledge.
“Our research found more than 50 per cent of students had never visited a farm and had a limited sense of how they operated,” Mr Mesiti said. “For nearly 60 per cent of students, they still lack that understanding of the supply chain and where their food comes from and how it’s grown. Having knowledge of where food comes allows people to make a decision about what they eat and how it impacts their health and wellbeing.
“Also, agriculture is one of the main industries that uses a great deal of technology for the production and processing of products … so providing knowledge about agriculture … exposes young people to those industries that can engage them in interesting careers.
“We have become more of an urbanised society and people are less likely to venture and to connect with those agricultural regions. The other thing is that in schools, I think teachers need the opportunity to discuss food-related topics.
“These resources that have been developed through the [Discovery Tour] program, gives a greater opportunity for teachers to engage in that.”
Woolworths chief marketing officer Andrew Hicks said by moving the Discovery Tour to a virtual platform, it hoped to educate more students about suppliers and growers, food production and the need to support a sustainable future.
“Taking the Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours online also enables teachers to bring the curriculum virtually to life, even if students are learning from home,” Mr Hicks said.
“Young Aussies can discover the importance of how their fresh food makes it into our stores, and helps them build a healthier relationship with fruits and vegetables.”
The roll out of the new digital program will start with years 5 and 6 and be available to kindergarten to year 4 from early next year.
Aussie schools interested in participating in the new digital program can request a free classroom kit that contains all the materials and lesson plans required, along with access to a supporting Fresh Food Kids Discovery Tours app.
Visit woolworths.com.au/discoverytours