The Department of Health has teamed up with British Food Fortnight to promote the importance of its 5 A DAY Just Eat More (fruit & veg) message to school children and their parents.
A network of 9,000 chefs is at the ready to give every school its own Jamie Oliver and help teach children how to cook.
They will be joined by retailers, who are being invited to donate food to schools for cooking lessons and to host school visits in order to teach children how to shop beyond the sweetie shelves.
The event, from September 20 to October 5, is now in its seventh year and is a well-established event in the school calendar.
This year, there will be a strong focus on involving parents in the activities.
Pupils and parents will be asked to monitor how many portions of fruit and vegetables they eat during the fortnight, and they will be set cookery homework, while school mailings to give parents tips on encouraging their children to eat more fruit and veg to reach their recommended 5 A DAY.
A pack of teaching resources, featuring a short film explaining why it is best to buy British food, as well as Putting the Ooo Back into Food activities, will be available for teachers.
Alexia Robinson, organiser of the event, said: “British Food Fortnight is the largest volunteer movement educating young people about food.
“Some 41,500 chefs and retailers have been sent information about helping schools teach children about food during the event, so every school in the UK should be able to find someone near them willing and eager to help.”
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