Welsh veg in schools project expands into seven counties

A project which aims to increase inclusion of locally grown organic vegetables in primary school meals has expanded into Ceredigion, Wales.  

The Welsh Veg in schools project is a pilot project in its second year, co-ordinated by Food Sense Wales. 

See also: Impact of educating children about farming revealed

It is also run in partnership with Castell Howell and Farming Connect Horticulture and currently operates in seven local authority areas.

By supporting agroecological organic farming, it aims to give growers and farmers an additional income stream, as well as offering opportunities for children to connect with nature and farming through visiting local growers.

The project is supported by a host of enthusiastic growers and hopes to expand to 20 growers by the end of the year.

Monmouthshire, Cardiff, Bridgend, Carmarthenshire, Powys, Vale of Glamorgan and Ceredigion local authorities have already signed up, with another five set to join later in the year.

‘Inspiring experience’

Patrick Holden, who farms at Bwlchwernen Fawr Farm near Lampeter, has recently returned to growing carrots and supplies primary school Ysgol y Dderi in Llangybi in west Wales.

“Growing organic carrots for Welsh schools after a gap of 18 years since we last grew them for supermarkets has been an inspiring experience. 

“Knowing that they will be in children’s meals in local schools, including Ysgol y Dderi, the primary school which my children attended, is one of the most exciting developments of our recent farming history,” said Mr Holden.

Amber Wheeler, project lead for Welsh Veg in schools added: “At the moment most of the veg that comes into Welsh schools is from outside the country and is often frozen.

“This pilot project is showing that it is possible to increase the amount of produce grown in Wales.”

Food Sense Wales first started exploring the procurement of locally produced veg with the “Courgette Pilot”.

It involved one grower, one wholesaler and delivered nearly 1t of courgettes into primary schools in Cardiff during Food and Fun in the summer of 2022.

Project leaders are already crop planning with producers and wholesalers to ensure continuity of supply for the coming years.

Those interested in becoming a supplier can contact Food Sense Wales by emailing foodsensewales@wales.nhs.uk