Making a Difference
We believe that one of the key characteristics that matters from an education is making a difference to the world in which we live.
Two of our Year 10 students, Molly and Natasha, have been making this a reality with their work setting up the Sidcot Food Circle. As we reflect on Stop Food Waste Day (26 April 2023) they tell us about what inspired them to take action:
“The idea for the Sidcot Food Circle came about after a conversation we had in Food Technology about food poverty. We couldn’t believe the statistics that a third of all food is wasted in the UK, and yet so many people are going hungry. Also, we found it amazing that if the methane caused from food waste was eliminated, it would have the environmental effect of removing one in five cars from the road. We also wanted to support others who are less fortunate than us so we had a conversation with Mr Meredith, our Head of Food Tech, and persuaded him to help us set up a club after school to problem solve the issue, and find ways for us to take positive action.
“Following an initial planning meeting, we wrote to local businesses asking them to donate their food ‘waste’. The lovely team at Teff Cookies (which makes nutritious energy cookies from an ancient grain) donated excess cookie dough. These came in two flavours – Cinnamon Sultana and Chocolate Date – and we were happy to pick them up from Teff’s Food Works unit. We were also donated some delicious jam from Rose Farms, Somerset. We experimented with recipes using the dough and jam, using peer feedback to best gauge what would sell, and sold our baked cookies and scones (with jam) at breaktime in the Hub (our communal snack and social area).”
Building support and raising awareness
The two students quickly realised that further support was needed and expanded the Food Circle by making it a PASS (Programme of Activities at Sidcot School) activity, available to all on a Wednesday afternoon. This allows for a longer time to prepare food, ensuring more students can get involved.
The Food Circle Group continues to meet weekly on a Wednesday after School, to make delicious treats to sell to raise money for our local Food Banks. Their creations are predominantly made from things they have preserved (frozen, pickled or fermented). For example, using onions that they grew in the Sidcot garden to make pickled onions, leek kimchi and herb oils. The Food Circle Group recycles all the waste trimmings and peelings to make compost for the School garden.
Most recently, they produced canapes for the School’s Cabaret Evening and collected donations, raising £127.50. They selected Fareshare as their charity as they felt that they would be in the best position to put the money raised to the best use, in the most ‘in need’ areas. Food banks often have stock of very similar products e.g. dried pasta but are short of other items so money allows them to buy in on bulk deals items that they most need. The money they raised helped to deliver 204 meals for those who need it most.
“The Food Circle is something that is central to our Quaker values as a school. It allows us to tread a little lighter on the earth and gives the children the opportunity to let their lives speak through actions. It’s been wonderful to see it grow from strength to strength.” Huw Meredith, Teacher of Catering and Food Preparation
Next steps
The Food Circle has recently donated further funds to the Trussell Trust (£50.35) and Fareshare (£67). Future plans include selling more to raise more funds for charity and the local food banks and homeless shelters. They are also expanding the garden to be able to grow more produce, and to showcase how we can be more sustainable in how we grow and use food.
You will be able to find the Food Circle Group at their stall at the Garden Party on Saturday 24th June, selling their wares. Please donate generously, and feel free to ask any questions you might have about food waste and our efforts to offset them!