Essex schoolchildren learnt about the value of local produce at an event organised by the East of England Co-op.
The retail chain was at a school assembly at St Mary’s primary, Burnham-on-Crouch, during its annual Sourced Locally Fortnight.
The retailer, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, is working with food historian Monica Askay to educate local children on Essex’s food history. During its Sourced Locally Fortnight, shoppers are encouraged to keep it local and swap an item of shopping in their baskets for a local alternative.
Dressed in Victorian clothes, Monica showed Victorian kitchenalia including a sugar cone and a sausage maker to the assembly and talked about Essex’s agricultural history, including its reputation for salt farming and growing saffron. Pupils learnt about a variety of Victorian foods and recipes including Saffron Cake.
“The assembly has provided a fantastic opportunity to teach children about the rich and diverse local food history that Essex boasts. Showing children how recipes and their ingredients have changed over the years helped them to understand the important role of agriculture across the region over the last 150 years,” said Monica.
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