Who knew that Brussel sprouts taste good? The students of Burnhope Primary School weren’t sure and their fabulous cook, Leanne, is working hard to reduce food waste so was cautious about serving them as part of their Christmas dinner. But Headteacher Lisa Bryson encouraged the children to take the EAT SMART Taste Challenge. Covering their eyes and trying just a bit, the verdict was “THUMBS UP” and the plates were cleaned!

Burnhope Primary School’s Taste Challenge was just one of the actions encouraged by the school’s Waste Warriors as part of REfUSE’s EAT SMART project engaging primary school pupils in the causes of, and solutions, to food waste. During the 6 week project, Burnhope reduced their food waste by 29% and the school has introduced a long term plan to continue this decrease. In January 2023, the EAST SMART project will launch at St Cuthbert’s Primary, Chester-le-Street and will be led by their Eco Group. I wonder whether Brussel sprouts will be on their menu.

For more information about EAT SMART and other outreach programmes, click here