Food For Thought

The work I do in assisting the introduction of the 'Food in Schools Toolkit' in Cambridgeshire covers all aspects of community food activities, such as:

• Selecting a balanced personal diet.
• Developing school garden and allotment plots.
• Linking 'soil to plate' by growing fruit & vegetables to cook & eat.
• Demonstrating how to cook simple, healthy economical meals.
• Influencing the improvement of the food offered in schools.
• Influencing improvement of the eating environment in schools.

As we move into a new academic year, it is interesting to reflect on the past year, during which issues relating to food continued to be a top priority for many head teachers and school governors.

Pupils have clearly gained a lot of food knowledge and are putting it into practice when choosing what to eat. At the same time, teachers are realising the value of using an 'outdoor' classroom in conjunction with the other resources they have at their disposal.

Catering managers and kitchen staff are reviewing their practices, changing menus, bringing back dinner plates and replacing dining hall furniture. Parents are also keen to learn, or relearn, basic gardening and cookery skills, to help their children.

Immediate changes to my own practices in the coming year will include the introduction of tuition relating to local climate, seasons and soil.

I am also planning a programme that will allow crops to be grown and eaten during the course of each term while encouraging more teachers to improve their capacity to deliver learning from practical outdoor and indoor food activities

Pupils have clearly gained a lot of food knowledge and are putting it into practice when choosing what to eat. At the same time, teachers are realising the value of using an 'outdoor' classroom in conjunction with the other resources they have at their disposal.

— Jack Waterfall

Finally, I aim to teach everyone how to recognise when a crop is ready to harvest and eat. We are not ornamental gardeners, after all.

You can view Jack's CV here or download Jack Waterfall's CV

Jack Waterfall – Food Skills Support Worker
August 2007

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2007 Food Skills Photo Gallery

Contact Details

Should you have any questions relating to the 'Food in Schools Toolkit' in Cambridgeshire or any additional aspects of community food activities please contact Jack Waterfall below.