When eight-year-old Millie decided to run a veggie sandwich-making competition for her class during National Vegetarian Week last year, she had no idea this could lead to 100 schools achieving an environmental award.
Millie’s initiative led to the school introducing a delicious veggie day every week, which qualified them to receive funding from the Vegetarian Society to obtain their Green Flag status in the Eco-Schools programme. The Vegetarian Society is now offering the same funding for 100 Silver Award Eco-Schools in England to obtain their Green Flag status.
Nurseries, primary and secondary schools, and sixth form colleges can all apply for the funding, which has been made available by the charity. Any school undertaking the Eco-Schools Award which can demonstrate the scheme will lead to more veggie dishes being eaten by their pupils and staff are eligible for this financial support. Applications can be made by schools via the Eco-Schools Team
Lynne Elliot, Chief Executive, the Vegetarian SocietyThe Eco-Schools scheme is a fantastic way for schools to boost their environmental credentials. We want to offer support to pupils who are learning about food choices and their effect on the planet. We were inspired to set up this funding programme by the efforts of one little girl who ran a small sandwich competition during National Vegetarian Week 2017 which led to the whole school going veggie one day a week. We want to encourage more schools to do something deliciously veggie to make a difference to the planet and everyone on it. There are loads of ways schools can incorporate their learning about veggie food into their work. Schools may be learning about how to make vegetarian meals using fruit and vegetables grown on the school grounds; some may investigate the energy and water footprint of a meat-free diet; while others may decide to have a veggie day for the whole school. There are lots of possibilities.
Mrs Dawnay, teacher and Eco Coordinator at Millie’s school, Stretton Sugwas AcademyObtaining the Green Flag Award will be fantastic for the school as we are trying to be 'eco' in as many areas as possible and the award itself will be a great way of recognising and celebrating what we do here at Stretton Sugwas Academy. The Green Flag Award looks at different areas such as waste, water, energy as well as biodiversity, Global Citizenship and healthy living. Through this, we are trying to make the children aware of the environment and the impact that we can have, as well as learning ways in which we can make a positive difference.
The Vegetarian Society is a charity that is passionate about veggie food, and they want everyone to know how varied and delicious vegetarian dishes are – and how easy it is to enjoy a veggie lifestyle.
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- For info, images, or interviews please contact su@vegsoc.org or call 0161 925 2012
- Eco-Schools is a global programme engaging 19.5 million children and nearly1.5 million teachers across 67 countries- making it the largest educational programme on the planet. Since 1994 Eco-Schools England has been empowering students to drive change and improve their environmental awareness through the same simple Seven Step process, that has been used successfully across the world. Their student-led programme; involves hands-on, real-world learning, motivating the whole school and the wider community to take part in exciting environmental projects based on nine Eco-Schools topics. Register today to join the 52,000 Eco-Schools across the globe working together to create a happier and healthier future