Hundreds of Pembrokeshire schoolchildren are to be encouraged to eat a healthier diet in a popular initiative. 'From Spade to Fork' is an action-packed day for pupils at Scolton Manor, where they are taught everything from growing vegetables to cooking easy recipes. The pilot event last year was so successful that it has now been increased from three to five days. A total of 940 primary schoolchildren between the ages of nine and 11 will be taking part. 'From Spade to Fork' aims to help children to look at what they eat and be more aware of where food comes from," said Kate Morgan, food officer at Pembrokeshire County Council, who is co-ordinating the event. The Food Standards Agency will be providing a travelling exhibition with hands-on games and activities teaching about health and nutrition, backed up by a session on food labelling with county council food safety officer, Glenda Thomas. Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority rangers will be taking children on a nature ramble around the grounds, showing how foods can grow naturally in the hedgerows and fields. Scolton Manor museum will provide an insight into the history of farming, and food rationing during World War II. Pembrokeshire Horticultural Society will be introducing gardening and vegetable-growing to the children with a practical session on how to plant seeds. The Cookstart team from Cardiff will be introducing them to funky ways to cook and eat fruit and vegetables in their daily diet, with demonstrations and tasting. This will be supported by Pembrokeshire Local Health Board who will be demonstrating how to make smoothies, and Food Centre Wales who will be making yoghurt-based ice-creams. The event is jointly staged by Pembrokeshire County Council, The Food Standards Agency, Pembrokeshire Horticultural Society and Pembrokeshire Local Health Board. 'From Spade to Fork' takes place between Monday and Friday, in the grounds of Scolton Manor, and is sponsored by Texaco, the Welsh Development Agency, Haverfordwest Cheese, Redbridge Fruit, and Rachel's Dairy.
