Northamptonshire farmer teaches foraging to improve children’s nutrition
Free workshops connect children and schools with nature’s pantry
A Northamptonshire farmer is encouraging children, parents and schools to explore the origins of their food through free workshops designed to connect them with nature and promote informed decision-making about meals.
The initiative operates under local farmer Milly Fyfe's social enterprise, No Fuss Meals for Busy Parents CIC. Which states to ''bridge the gap between food production in the UK and how to create meals from scratch.''
Fyfe, who also runs The Countryside Kitchen at her Northamptonshire farm, offers sessions that teach safe foraging and how to grow ingredients, helping people understand the food available in their local environment. Fyfe also highlighted the need for healthier eating among children, given the rising rates of obesity across the UK.
The latest NHS survey shows that 15% of children aged two to 15 in England were living with obesity in 2024. Obesity levels increased with age, rising from 10% among two‑ to four‑year‑olds to 17% of those aged 13 to 15. Overall, 26% of children were either overweight or obese.
Fyfe explained: By giving people more information such as making changes to how they shop, or simply appreciate what's around them – they can start to make small changes that help reduce obesity rates and ease pressure on local health services.”
''One of the things with ultra processed food, is it might fill tummies for a little while, but it doesn't sustain children for very long and the nutritional value that are in that food isn't very dense.'' She added.
A holistic approach to health and education
Through activities such as identifying edible plants and incorporating them into meals like cordials and jams, participants at the farm gain hands-on experience in sustainable food practices.
As well as educating families and children about nutrition, it also provides a way to spend time in nature. Fyfe said:
''The unexpected outcomes are very much about access to green space, the mental health benefits as well of pausing and getting out of that sort of environment that people aren't used to.
“Cooking from scratch, being out in the countryside, and knowing more about food really helps with overall well-being. I want people to see the benefits of these practices.”
She explained the workshops are designed to give families the skills and confidence to rethink their shopping habits and better understand where their food comes from:
“I find that there is a real disconnect between farm to fork and knowing where your food comes from. By teaching children and families about where their food originates, I'm hoping to provide them with the confidence to make informed choices.”
Creating community impact
By offering free sessions to schools and other community groups, Fyfe said she hopes to improve accessibility and strives to create a culture of food awareness and sustainability throughout Northamptonshire.
Fyfe said she envisions her farm initiative as a model for others. She said: “We really want to be able to encourage other farmers to set up similar systems.
Fyfe hopes to expand her work across the Midlands by securing funding, allowing her to involve more families and children in sustainable food practices that support their well‑being.
''We want to be a beacon in the Midlands – to educate and enhance lives, creating an environment where everyone can benefit from food education.”
For more information about The Countryside Kitchen's workshops and No Fuss Meals CIC, visit www.nofussmealsforbusyparents.com