Fab Food on the way to green world glory

A ground-breaking initiative to help combat food waste within schools has gone global after winning an international accolade.

The Fab Food project, run by South Derbyshire District Council and Sainsbury’s, is set to receive a Green World Environment Award.

It is fitting recognition for the successful scheme, written and delivered by the District Council’s Environmental Education Project staff, which saw experts work closely with pupils and teachers to drive down food waste. www.southderbyshire.gov.uk/wlsmschools

Participants completing the programme were Swadlincote’s Springfield Junior and Belmont Primary schools, Eureka Primary School in Midway, Woodville Schools Federation and Stanton Primary School.

Elmsleigh Infant School, in Swadlincote, Albert Village Primary School and Church Gresley Infant and Nursery School also reaped the benefits.

As a result of educational learning projects and tailored action plans, schools reduced food waste by between seven per cent and 37 per cent.

Cllr Martyn Ford, Leader of South Derbyshire District Council, said:

“We are honoured that our collective efforts to drive down food waste have been recognised on a global level.

“Through educational and interactive activities, we have helped children to learn, from an early age, that food waste can easily be avoided.

“We’re proud that so many primary schools took part and achieved such eye catching results.

“They, along with the District Council and Sainsbury’s, have helped to put Swadlincote and South Derbyshire on the world map.”

The Green World Environment Award, organised by The Green Organisation  and supported by many national organisations is designed to find the greenest countries, organisations and communities.

Fab Food beat off competition from more than 500 nominations, including local, regional and national governments from around the world.

The winning paper will be published in The Green Book, the leading international work of reference on environmental best practice.

Fab Food will be officially announced as a winner at an awards ceremony being held in Ankara, Turkey on Monday, September 17.

13 September 2018