Wales & West Utilities helps lead the ‘food revolution’ in Newport
Gas emergency and pipeline service, Wales & West Utilities celebrated Food Revolution Day by linking with Newport’s St Michael’s School to give youngsters a lesson in food education.
As part of the day-long event, twelve of Wales & West Utilities colleagues spent time with 60 of the school’s year 4 and 5 pupils to give them first-hand access to food education in a bid to equip them with a better understanding of the impact their food choices can have on them now and into the future.
Food Revolution Day is led by Jamie Oliver and is an annual event to get children everywhere excited about good, fresh, real food. It’s a global day of action to celebrate the importance of cooking from scratch, and to raise awareness of how it impacts our health and happiness.
During the day pupils had a chance to carry out a number of hands-on activities designed to be informative, yet fun. Activities included learning about food groups, vegetable and fruit tasting, making cress-heads and designing a healthy breakfast. The activities were complemented with individual and group discussions surrounding obesity and the importance of a balanced diet.
Jill Manship, Headteacher at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Primary School, said:
“We’d like to thank Wales & West Utilities – the event was a great success! The day was well planned, fun and the children got a lot from it. The staff are very grateful for the time the team spent organising all the activities.
“It was an educational day but also very enjoyable, which as teachers is always our aim. It was a real pleasure to work with Wales & West Utilities and we are really grateful that they chose to spend Give and Gain Day with us.”
Wales & West Utilities, Nicki Horlock, Technology Support Services Manager, said:
“By 2030, 41 per cent of the world population will be overweight or obese and worldwide there are more than 42 million children under the age of five who are either overweight or obese. These figures are horrifying and we are delighted to have played a small part in the education of the future generation.
“We are thrilled with the response that we had at St. Michael’s – the children had a great day but also took away a very serious message. If we have helped even a small number of pupils make better choices, we’re happy.”
The project was part of Business in the Community’s Give & Gain Day, sponsored in Wales by 1st Solutions Employment and Training Limited and the Welsh Government and involving 1,000 volunteers from 56 employers. Taking place on Friday 20 May, it is the UK’s largest day of employee volunteering involving thousands of people taking the day off to volunteer in local community groups, schools, projects and charities.
Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, takes pride in serving Wales and the south west of England. If anyone smells gas, thinks they have a gas leak, or suspects carbon monoxide poisoning, they should call us on 0800 111 999 and our engineers will be there to help, day or night.
The company also has a multi-million pound, 30-year gas pipe investment programme which began in 2002. Old metal pipes within 30 metres of buildings are being replaced with new long-lasting plastic pipes with a lifespan of more than 80 years, to make sure homes and businesses continue to receive a safe and reliable gas supply now and in the future.