Children in some of Herefordshire’s primary schools have been enjoying a theatrical performance which promotes the uptake of school meals, healthy packed lunchboxes and a balanced diet.

School halls across the county rocked this month as Charlie and the Kitchen Cook performed by Pawprint Theatrical Productions sang and danced their way through a great interactive show which had the children shouting, laughing and joining in actions in true pantomime style.

Herefordshire Council’s healthy schools team arranged for the 30 minute show to be performed in ten local primary schools.  The show is about Cook Crumble who needs to recruit some new assistants (the school children).  Charlie is keen to work for Cook Crumble but needs to be trained first alongside the other new assistants so that together they understand some of the rules involved in providin
g school meals.  The key messages are about eating well, having a balanced diet, eating five portions of fruit or vegetables a day as a minim and reducing consumption of unhealthy foods like crisps and chocolate.

Kim Goddard, Herefordshire healthy schools manager, said: “We want our children to enjoy good health and benefit from well balanced diets.  What they eat at school plays a major part in their health and well being.  Nearly all Herefordshire’s schools have healthy school status now and have access to healthy, freshly prepared school meals.  School meals are a good way for children to receive the nutrition they need.  

“Charlie and the Kitchen Cook tour has been incredibly well received by the children who have enjoyed the performances and taken home lessons about eating healthy food to help them grow.”