Olympic gymnast Beth Tweddle has visited a school to explain how potatoes are part of her training regime after one of its pupils won a national competition.
Lewis Child, aged 13, won the competition to design a poster showcasing potatoes as a good fuel for sport. It was part of the AHDB Potatoes’, formerly the Potato Council, Cook Your Own Potatoes (CYOP) project.
During her visit to Claremont Fan Court School, in Esher, Tweddle also helped children cook a potato-based dish, as the project aims to equip youngsters with cooking skills as well as more awareness about potato varieties, uses and healthy attributes.
It also provides teachers with resources to support Key Stage 3 Food Technology lesson, including posters, recipes, videos and lesson activities.
“Working with Beth has been a great way to help show children the positive role that potatoes play in maintaining a balanced diet,” said AHDB Potatoes education coordinator, Sue Lawton.
“We believe that food education should be high on the agenda and by teaching it in a fun way, the next generation will be healthier and form positive attitudes to potatoes.”
Emma Wells, of Claremont School, said: “We’re thrilled that Lewis won the national competition, especially as his class was able to benefit from the potato cookery challenge. Because the project has the perfect balance of fun and hands-on activities, the children have been really excited and motivated to learn more about a healthy balanced diet, which is fantastic.”
As part of its One Voice campaign, AHDB Potatoes is encouraging industry to spread the word about its education activities and help build a generation that views potatoes in a positive way.
