THOUSANDS of Carmarthenshire schoolchildren have joined others across the world in celebrating Fairtrade Fortnight.
The event, which comes to an end on Sunday, March 13, aims to highlight the need for sustainable produce, with local traders being paid a fair price for their goods.
As part of the Fortnight, children were encouraged to take part in the ‘show off your label’ theme, and have been tucking in to Fairtrade produce as part of themed school meals.
Two special lunches have been laid on by the county’s Catering Service.
On Monday, February 28, children were treated to a fillet of fish or vegetable grill, a half jacket potato, spaghetti hoops or peas, served with fresh bread, and followed by Fairtrade apple and banana crunch and custard.
On Tuesday, March 8, a ‘cook’s choice’ menu was served – consisting of a homemade cottage or vegetable pie, served with boiled potatoes, broccoli and cauliflower florets, followed by homemade chocolate and Fairtrade banana muffin with Fairtrade juice.
The menus were specially devised using the Saffron system which measures nutritional quality to the milligram.
Catering services manager Sandra Weigel said: “It is important that we show our support to Fairtrade as it links in well with our efforts to deliver a healthy and nutritionally balanced school meals service which quite literally doesn't cost the earth,” said Sandra.
“It’s good to give the children something different to try, and also to educate them about the ethics of Fairtrade.”
The council’s Sustainability Champion, Cllr Pam Palmer, said: “Teaching children from a young age about where their food comes from, and how it is produced, will lead us towards a brighter, more sustainable future.”
For further information on Fairtrade Fortnight visit www.fairtradewales.com

CAPTION: Seven-year-olds Amy Mullen and Grace Davies, of Halfway School, Llanelli, celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight with Dylan the Dragon. Pic Jeff Connell