A Peterborough charity says little education on food in schools could increase obesity in children
A petition to integrate food, farming and sustainability into the curriculum from has over 14,000 signatures
A Peterborough charity says educating children on food and farming is vital for their health.
A petition is calling on the government to integrate comprehensive food, farming, and sustainability education into the national curriculum.
I believe a lot of the obesity issue comes down to the food
It's aiming to make these subjects core to students’ learning from early years through secondary school.
Campaigners say the gap deprives students of an understanding of how their actions impact the environment, health, and society.
They also believe practical education connecting students to these issues could improve academic engagement and provide life skills essential for resilience.
It's a life skill and it's very important
Dave Poulton, from up the garden bath, runs workshops teaching children to grow their own food. He said:
"There seems to be this opinion that kids would rather plant a virtual carrot on a virtual farm on their phone, and it's not true."
"We know from the work that we do that as soon as they get their hands in their soil, they love it and embrace it."
"I believe a lot of the obesity issue comes down to the food. It has an impact on their health."
"What we do, getting everyone involved in gardening and teaching them how to grow food, is a life skill, and it's very important."
The Government say they recognise the importance of teaching children about these topics which is why they can already be taught as part of the current national curriculum.