Only a minimal 6% of vegetables served in Welsh schools are sourced from local growers, with the majority being imported. Food Sense Wales, a charity, is spearheading an initiative to elevate this number to 10% by sourcing locally and organically by 2028. The charity highlights the urgency of this transition in the face of rising import costs due to climate change and global instability. The Welsh Veg in Schools project, funded by the Welsh government until March 2025, aims to bolster local agriculture and reduce dependency on imports.
Emma and Geraint Evans, who operate a fruit and vegetable business in the Vale of Glamorgan, have expressed the challenges of establishing a market presence and the importance of local support. Food Sense Wales founder, Katie Palmer, emphasizes the necessity for more local growers to meet the demand, stating the current production suffices for only a quarter of a portion per person in Wales. The goal is to foster a robust local supply chain that benefits schools and the wider public sector.
At Ysgol St Baruc in Barry, kitchen manager Georgina Thomas incorporates locally-sourced vegetables into meals, demonstrating the project's potential impact on children's nutrition. Food wholesaler Castell Howell is also a key player, aiming to supply a significant number of school meals with locally-grown vegetables to ensure freshness and nutritional value. The Welsh government acknowledges the project's role in developing local agricultural capabilities, aiming for a sustainable future in public sector food supply.
Source: BBC