From David Hutchings, Exeter 382594, October 02, 2003

Organic milk first for healthy South Devon pupils

PUPILS at a TWO South Devon schools are to become the first to have a “milk bar” stocked with local organic milk.

Inspired by the publicity attached to the National Milk Week initiative Coombeshead and Knowles Hill schools in Newton Abbot have recently launched their Organic milk bar’s as part of their healthy eating drive.

Pupils can be certain that their milk shakes and other drinks will be fresh – the supplies are coming from Riverford Farm Dairy just a few miles away at Staverton near Totnes.

An increasing number of schools are installing milk bars as an alternative to vending machines serving fizzy drinks.

“Education is all about mind and body. You literally are what you eat”

Tanya Leisinger, Catering Manager at Knowles Hill school said that in the first week of operation thay had sold over 900 milk shakes which means 900 less fizzy drinks !.

Riverford Farm Dairy produces organic milk, yoghurt, and cream in its Dairy sited there on the farm. It uses only milk from its own organic herd and delivers to local caterers and retailers throughout Torbay, Teignbridge and the South Hams

Riverford Farm Organic well is well known both for its innovative vegetable and fruit “box scheme” and its extensive organic speciality Farm shop. We regularly work with schools and interested groups hosting visits where children can see and learn about organic farming.

Devon County Council and Devon Food Links have been working for 14 months to increase the amount of local food supplied to schools. Recent excellent co-operation with catering provider Devon Direct Services has seen real increases in the uptake of local organic produce through its contacts with Devon Purchasing

“Devon Food Links is committed to increasing the amount of local food that is available to the consumer.

“These initiatives help keep jobs and money in the local community and ensures that people eat produce that is really fresh and hasn’t travelled hundreds of miles out of the region to be packaged before being sent back again.

“Around 45 per cent of the milk sold in England is produced in the South West and it makes real sense to use as much as possible as locally as possible.”

Devon’s lead councillor for schools, John Hart, said he was delighted to support Devon schools initiative.

“We all know how important it is for children to eat a healthy diet and I commend the school,” he said.

“As a county council, we are committed to helping develop markets for our local businesses which produce some of the best food in the world.”

NOTE TO NEWS EDS: Dial (dairy Industry association limited) are promoting the National school milk week 27th Sept – 3rd Oct)

Riverford Farm are happy for the media to visit their farm. Please call them first on 07905-512-595.

Jonathan Smye of Devon Food Links is also available for interview on 01392 382831.

Back to news index