Branston, the potato supplier and sponsor of the primary school-based farm-to-fork initiative, is once again encouraging schools to sign up for this year’s Grow Your Own Potatoes programme.
Designed to show children exactly where their food comes from and how potatoes form part of a healthy, balanced diet, the project has already involved over six million children to date.
Through the programme, schools will receive a free kit containing two varieties of seed potatoes and a packet of wildflower seeds, highlighting the importance of biodiversity and supporting pollinators.
Teachers must register their school by Friday, 31st January to secure a kit, which is expected to arrive mid-February. From there, pupils will begin chitting their seeds before planting in March. They’ll then observe and care for the plants over a 14-week period, ultimately harvesting their own crop in June—a hands-on opportunity to explore food production and sustainability.
Lucia Washbrook, sales & marketing director at Branston, said: “We’re sponsoring Grow Your Own Potatoes once again this year as it’s a brilliant initiative that provides vital education for children. It’s important to learn about growing produce and the benefits of a balanced diet from a young age, so for children to gain this hands-on experience is a fantastic foundation for them to build on.
“Grow Your Own Potatoes is a wonderful programme, and we’d encourage primary school teachers to get signed up before the deadline and get involved. The skills children can learn from taking part in the growing process are invaluable, and we’re looking forward to seeing the harvested potatoes later in the year.”
Once harvested, schools are encouraged to enter a nationwide competition, submitting the weight of their yield and sharing photos to celebrate their achievements. Sue Lawton, project manager at Grow Your Own Potatoes, added: “Registrations for this year’s Grow Your Own Potatoes project close at the end of January, but there’s still time for schools to secure their kits. Schools can sign up for multiple kits this year, making it the perfect opportunity to challenge other classes to a potato-growing competition and see who can harvest the biggest yield.
“This free project is a fantastic way to inspire children to learn where their food comes from, explore healthy eating, and develop essential life skills through fun, hands-on learning, as well as support local agriculture and promote environmental stewardship. We’re very grateful for Branston’s continued support.”
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