Schoolchildren across the Melton borough get hands-on in the kitchen doing Mars's healthy food programme

More than 300 pupils in schools across the Melton borough, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire learnt about the importance of a balanced diet this month, as part of a fun-filled campaign launched by Mars Food UK.
Sherard Primary School's pupils had fun doing the Ben's Beginners Programme PHOTO: SuppliedSherard Primary School's pupils had fun doing the Ben's Beginners Programme PHOTO: Supplied
Sherard Primary School's pupils had fun doing the Ben's Beginners Programme PHOTO: Supplied

Children aged six to 11 from schools including Sherard Primary School, The Grove Primary School, Brownlow Primary School and Great Dalby Primary School discovered how to prepare a healthy meal through the Ben’s Beginners Programme.

Named after the Uncle Ben’s brand, and taught in the classroom by staff members from Mars Food UK’s head office at Waltham on the Wolds, the course educates young people on nutrition.

“We aimed to help pupils understand the different food groups and the role a balanced diet plays in leading a healthy lifestyle, said Angie Phillips, internal communications and community relations manager, Mars Food UK.

“Using a range of games and the Government’s Eatwell Guide, we enabled children to make informed choices and get excited about cooking wholesome meals while having fun together.”

The programme was delivered in collaboration with The Let’s Cook Project, and encouraged each student to learn new kitchen skills all in the space of a day.

Katie Elliot, a Year 5 teacher from Sherard Primary School, said: “It was a brilliant day and the children had a lot of fun learning all about nutrition and getting hands on with cooking a healthy recipe. We know they will take this new passion home to cook with their families.”

Mars Food UK’s Ben’s Beginners programme provided every pupil with a workbook, certificate and goody bag to help them cook at home.