Birmingham schools who ‘grow their own’ praised by Lord Mayor

Children and teachers at Birmingham primary schools have been congratulated by The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Chaman Lal for growing vegetables, cooking their own food and exercising more – as part of the innovative Health for Life programme.

Children and teachers at 11 Birmingham primary schools have been honoured for their dedication to Health for Life which aims to achieve healthy lifestyles across Birmingham, encouraging nursery and primary schools to grow fruit and vegetables, learn about healthy eating, improve cooking skills and take part in a range of physical activities.

Health for Life was created and funded by Mondelēz International and delivered in partnership with Birmingham-based charity Services For Education, with the support of The Conservation Volunteers.

The Lord Mayor presented plaques to 11 schools to mark the achievements of pupils and staff at an awards ceremony at Highbury Hall, Moseley.

One in two of all Birmingham primary schools have now taken part in Health for Life - now in its twelfth year.

The programme provides support, training and funding to enable schools to make wide ranging and sustainable changes such as building raised beds and polytunnels, planting fruit trees and bushes, growing fresh vegetables and fruit, redesigning playground areas so children can be more active and running family learning workshops to share healthy lifestyle messages with parents and carers.

Helen Grundy, education adviser at Services For Education, told children and teachers at the awards event, that their work was, quite literally, ground-breaking.

“We’re so proud of each of you and it’s wonderful to see how much you enjoy growing fruit and vegetables, cooking – and then eating the results of your efforts,” she said. 

Kelly Farrell, community affairs manager at Mondelēz International, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Health for Life and the positive difference it is making to so many children and families across Birmingham – and the efforts made especially by teachers and school staff. It was wonderful to celebrate the achievements of so many schools.”

Pictured: Children and their teacher from Barr View Academy receive the award from Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Cllr Chaman Lal