Schools across Scotland can now apply for a coveted place at an award-winning education programme at Dumfries House.
To mark Stop Food Waste Day, The King’s Foundation has announced that groups can now apply to the 'Food For The Future' education programme, developed in collaboration with Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty.
Pupils from the Cumnock area are among those who have already taken part in the programme.
Pupils from The Robert Burns Academy learned all about the importance of tackling food waste.
In recognition of their work, pupils were then presented with an award by King Charles, then in his role as Prince Charles.
Food For The Future aims to raise awareness of food waste amongst S3 school pupils in Scotland, empowering them to make educated choices and to come up with sustainable solutions to reduce food waste in their homes, schools and local communities.
Through participating in the programme, pupils will develop an in-depth understanding of farming and food production practices, examining the problems that exist in both local and global food systems.
Eleven schools from across Scotland have already participated in previous editions of the programme, with 96 per cent of involved pupils now rating food waste as either a “quite” or “highly important” issue in need of addressing.
Catriona Donaldson, horticulture and sustainable food systems curriculum manager for the King’s Foundation, said: “We are so excited to be launching the fourth edition of our flagship Food For The Future programme, which begins in September 2024.
"Reducing food waste is key to mitigating climate change and those who participate in the programme will be given the opportunity to make tangible links to the UN sustainability goals.
"Pupils can look forward to fascinating industry visits, and hands-on workshops here at Dumfries House which explore how the food system works, how it impacts the environment and how to better champion sustainable practices.
“Places on the programme are completely free, and we would encourage applications from school groups from across Scotland who have a keen interest in helping to combat food waste.”
Teachers should email dh.education@kings-foundation.org to express an interest in taking a space on the programme, before the deadline of 5pm on Friday, May 17.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here