Asda launches Food School with TV chef James Martin to make food education fun and inspire next generation of cooks
· New research reveals almost half of UK kids don’t know that eggs come from chickens
· Six out of 10 kids don’t have a clue how long it takes to grow a carrot
· A quarter believe that chicken can only be cooked on a barbecue
New research has revealed that children across the UK just aren’t stepping up to the plate when it comes to simple facts about the food they eat – with more than half of children under eight not knowing that eggs come from chickens.
The survey of 1,000 children, commissioned by supermarket Asda, also brought to light that six out of 10 don’t have a clue how long it takes to grow vegetables such as carrots – with answers varying from one day to 10 years. A quarter of children believe that chicken can only be cooked on a barbecue and more recognised Kale as a boys name than that of a vegetable.
Nearly a quarter stated that turkey, chicken wings and sirloin steak come from a pig and despite the current popularity of the avocado, a third thought that they came from animals.
In response to the findings the supermarket has teamed up with TV chef James Martin to roll out a community school programme in 2017 aimed at teaching primary school children the simple facts about the food they eat. The initiative entitled ‘Food School’ and designed by Asda will help children develop a love and knowledge for food that will carry them through from their early years to adult life.
To road-test the topic areas that should make it on to the programme agenda, James invited a group of 12 children into an Asda store this week to put them through their paces on a range of food related questions from ‘why is a kiwi hairy?’ right through to ‘how long does it take to grow a carrot?’
TV chef James Martin said: “I was really surprised by the research, but by igniting children’s interest in food and making it fun to learn the stories behind the food they eat everyday, it’s a problem that can be easily solved. Simple pointers from mum and dad when out shopping or cooking simple meals and baking at home can help kids look at food in a totally different way.
“I grew up on a farm and that definitely inspired my career. If we teach kids about the food they eat when they’re young, not only will it encourage them to try new tastes and dishes, but we may even find the next generation of budding chefs!.”
Asda’s nutritionist, Hayley Marson said: “This is a really exciting initiative for us at Asda and we’re thrilled that James can help us educate the younger generation when it comes to their food. The provenance behind our products is something we’re hugely passionate about, and we can’t wait to see it brought to life through our Food School programme next year.”
Stats
· 41% of kids don’t know where an egg comes from
· A quarter of kids think that chicken can only be cooked on a barbecue
· One in 10 kids think a microwave is the best way to cook chicken
· 61% of kids don’t have a clue how long it would take to grow a carrot
· 28% of kids claiming carrots take six months or longer to develop
· One in 10 kids think kale is a boy’s name
· A third of kids don’t know what kale is
· One in 10 kids don’t know where beef comes from
· One in 20 kids believe and avocado comes from an animal
· 15% of kids think chocolate, cucumbers and carrots grow on trees
ENDS