The 2007/08 school year has been designated the Year of Food and Farming.

The aim for the Year of Food and Farming is to give young people in England hands-on learning experiences based around three core areas: visits, growing experiences and cooking or preparing food.  This will give them the opportunity to:

• find out how food is grown and produced
• explore the importance of food
• make informed choices about healthy eating
• experience what the countryside can offer
• learn more about environmental issues linked to food and the countryside

To contribute to achieving the aims of the Year of Food and Farming, Telford & Wrekin Council, in association with My School Lunch, will be launching a brand new website.

The new site will be divided into a number of key areas for pupils and teachers.

About The Year will give background information about the Year of Food and Farming and information about forthcoming local events.

We intend to hold a series of events throughout the year, in partnership with schools and other local organisations, to help children learn more about where our food comes from, why farming matters and how farming concerns every one of us.

Food will discuss the links between farming and food, purchasing fresh produce from local suppliers and cooking seasonal foods.

Farming will look at "Rearing", "Growing" and "Getting to Market" to help children understand where food comes from and how it reaches our tables.

Quiz will help children to test what they've learned from the site.

Teaching Resources will contain a variety of lesson plans and worksheets that can be used in the classroom.

Fun Stuff will include a new game for the My School Lunch Fun Fair and a Blog which will be updated regularly by our friendly farmer.

The whole site is presented in a friendly, fun and informative way which will appeal to all members of the family, young and old.

We look forward to the year ahead and all the exciting events that will come with it, starting with the launch of the new website towards the end of September.  Stay up to dates with the latest developments by coming back here regularly.