The UK pea industry has continued its nationwide campaign to promote vegetable consumption among children as it joins the battle against child obesity.
The Processed Vegetable Growers' Association (PVGA) and leading frozen vegetable companies joined the Grab 5! initiative to promote daily consumption of five portions of fruit and veg.
Together they appointed a national judging panel of dieticians, teachers and caterers to short list the UK's top school menus devised by secondary schoolchildren for primary school dinners.
At the national final in Westminster Kingsway College, 10 regional winners were judged by a panel of primary school children. PVGA chief executive Martin Riggall, said: “A rigorous process of UK-wide regional cook-offs followed with strict rules regarding budget, health guidelines and the inclusion of peas. The campaign will raise its profile again early next year when the top secondary school children chefs take up work experience at Jamie Oliver's 15 restaurant and at Westminster Kingsway College.
Public health minister Melanie Johnson applauded the competition. She said: “With child obesity an increasing problem and a drastic shortage of cooking skills among young people this initiative is making a real difference in encouraging schoolchildren to try out healthy alternatives to fast food.”
Earlier in the year the association focused on promoted the health benefits and versatility of peas in catering. Pubs and restaurant chains were targeted with a nationwide programme aimed at their lunchtime and evening trade.
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