Oxford Brookes hosts play encouraging sustainable food choices for children
'Lily's Special Recipe' will be performed at their Science Bazaar today
A play highlighting the impact of healthy, sustainable food choices for children is set to be showcased at the Oxford Brookes Science Bazaar today.
Written by Dr Shelly Coe, Associate Professor of Nutrition Science at Oxford Brookes University, and brought to life by Human Story Theatre, it aims to educate young audiences through interactive storytelling.
The project began with workshops focused on teaching secondary school students about nutritious, affordable, and sustainable cooking.
When Human Story Theatre became involved, the it morphed into a one-person show which has now grown into a larger production and picture book.
Dr Coe said: “‘Lily’s Special Recipe’ is about the importance of using sustainable ingredients in our daily lives. It’s about not just the nourishment food brings, but the role it plays in the social and cultural aspects of our lives. It tells the story of a meal made with love that brings Lily’s family back together.
“I hope from the play that both young people, but also their parents and families who are there with them, go away thinking they could try some new things and actually it can still be tasty and good for the planet.”
So far 1,000 copies of the book have been printed ready for distribution to local schools and community networks, supporting nutrition education beyond the live performance.
Looking ahead, Dr Coe plans to integrate this version into primary school curriculums, as well as ambitions for traveling performances and accompanying workshops.