Is our food fresh, local and sustainably-produced? That's what your children might be asking you! Over 1,100 primary school pupils from 33 schools in Pembrokeshire have this week taking part in a dynamic 'outdoor classroom' called 'Grow it, Cook it, Eat it'.
The initiative, held at Scolton Manor, teaches children all about nutrition, healthy eating and food - from farm to fork.
"Food - where it comes from and how it is produced - is fast becoming a national passion," said Kate Morgan, event organiser and food officer at Pembrokeshire County Council.
"This project enables children to learn all about it, in a series of fun and interactive workshops." Thanks to the project, the nine to 11-year-olds taking part can learn how to garden and plant their own herbs; watch and take part in cookery demonstrations, e.g. healthy meatballs in vegetable and tomato sauce or a vegetarian alternative; learn about sustainability and the environment through various games; find out about health and food hygiene through workshops and a pantomime; learn how to choose foods to eat and understand food labels.
This year, schools are also encouraged to visit local farms to complement the initiative.
The event, now in its fourth year, is staged by Pembrokeshire County Council, Food Standards Agency, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, Pembrokeshire College, the Local Health Board, and Cookstart led by chef Angela Gray. It is supported by the Welsh Assembly Government, Chevron Pembrokeshire, Meat Promotion Wales/ Hybu Cig Cymru, NFU and NFU Mutual, and many local businesses.
"Over 3,000 children in Pembrokeshire have now enjoyed this initiative and every year we have a huge waiting list," said Kate Morgan.
"Events such as these are vital in providing information on a healthy balanced diet and sustainability - especially in light of the importance of children's nutritional wellbeing. In turn, this will contribute to the economic development of the agri-food industry in the future."
Clr. Sian James, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "Grow it, Cook it, Eat it' reinforced the healthy eating message currently promoted in several other schemes led by Pembrokeshire County Council.
"New primary schools menus are healthier than ever, while secondary school children can choose from a huge range of delicious, freshly-made food, using many locally-sourced products," she said. "By December, all vending machines selling chocolate, crisps and fizzy drinks will be replaced by ones selling healthy snacks and drinks.
"The authority is also shortly launching a 'Lennie the Leek' healthy eating project at all primary schools in the county. Lennie will be encouraging children to eat a nutritious, well-balanced lunch, with the message that healthy eating is fun, exciting and enjoyable."