by Laura Cuttiford

FACT: 4.4%.  This is the increase in childhood obesity (aged 2- 10) throughout England, from 1995 to 2004.
FACT: 20%.  This is the amount of children (aged 2- 10) who will be obese by 2010.
(Source: Department of Health)

It has only been in the last few years that we have really come to see the future of our offspring, largely thanks to the restless campaigning of Jamie Oliver and other such media exploits.

Assisting in delivering the Government’s “Learning Outside the Classroom Manifesto” an initiative is to be launched in September 2007- The Year of Food and Farming.  It aims to inform school children nationwide of how food is produced, the impacts it can have on our health and the environment.  Mr David Miliband, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs recognises the power we have as the consumer,

“Consumers need to make informed choices, and where better to start than in educating the next generation”
 
The flip side of this venture will also look at increasing the possibilities of local suppliers working with schools and other public services.