Children shape the future of food

A group of gifted and talented school children from Hillside Primary School in Lower Earley (Reading) will get the chance to shape the future of food in a project being sponsored by local food laboratory, Reading Scientific Services Ltd (RSSL)

Scientists, technologists and food experts from RSSL will work with eight teams of 2-3 pupils each on food design projects, intended to help the children to understand key aspects of food safety and nutrition, and the environmental impact of global food distribution and packaging. The children will also gain other useful experience, such as learning how to manage project budgets. They will also acquire video and media skills through keeping a video diary.

Several members of RSSL's staff already volunteer their time to assist less able pupils at Hillside with reading and writing, but for the 2007/8 school year, the focus will be on the food projects. The company will sponsor all the materials and resources for the project as well as prizes for the winning groups. Children will also be treated to a tour of the high-tech laboratories on September 21^st September, where RSSL routinely investigates and analyses food and drink products, and helps companies with new product development.

Commenting on the initiative, Jane Staniforth of RSSL says, "We wanted to do something really special to mark RSSL's 20^th birthday, and we feel we have done this by creating an exciting and informative food development project that children can literally get their teeth into. Hillside Primary School was a natural partner for this project given that we already know the staff and pupils at the school so well."

Head teacher, Andrew Griffin adds, "This is an exciting opportunity for the children at Hillside. RSSL have been fantastic this year, supporting the school through different projects. Their support for this project next year will allow the children at Hillside to develop a range of new skills and gain a rich understanding of food design, packaging and issues associated with food design and marketing. We hope the children develop their own entrepreneurial skills but they must also understand their responsibilities as business people to the consumer and to the community."