SCHOOLCHILDREN who have been growing their own grub will be showcasing their efforts at Abbey Pumping Sation this weekend.
On Saturday (4 July), from 11am to 3pm, the museum will display the imaginative “mealbarrows” created by schools and young people from across Leicester – wheelbarrows planted up with a range of herbs, fruit and vegetables that children have been growing and then using to inspire their own menus.
There will be 15 different ‘mealbarrows’ on display, created by schools and youth groups across the city. They are part of an annual Grow Your Own Grub competition organised by Leicester City Council’s sustainable schools and public health teams, in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV).
This year’s competition had a rainbow theme, leading to some colourful mealbarrows inspired by Elmer the elephant and Noah's Ark.
The winning school will win gardening vouchers and have a celebration assembly, where they will receive a winners’ trophy. They will also have their menu cooked as part of their school meals in the new academic year.
Visitors to Abbey Pumping Station on Saturday will be able to vote for their favourite mealbarrow. The public votes will be combined with the views of a judging panel which has already awarded marks for the menus and the crops, along with how well the project has been integrated into teaching.
The event is free to attend and will take place alongside the museum’s popular Railway, Teddy Bears and Meccano Day, which is also free, with a £1 charge for train rides. Leicester Libraries’ book bus will also be on site, offering storytelling and free activities.
Assistant city mayor for health, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Grow Your Own Grub is a fantastic example of how our sustainable schools programme helps children and young people learn about food growing, healthy eating, sustainability and the environment through practical and enjoyable activities.
“This competition is a celebration of all the hard work of the children who have been growing their own grub. It helps to give these children the best start in life by appreciating the link between healthy eating and a healthy mind and body.”
More information about Abbey Pumping Station is at leicestermuseums.org/abbey-pumping-station
Find out more about healthy eating at https://livewell.leicester.gov.uk/