To give a bit more detail, TiR is creating an interactive theatrical feast in which games, riddles and performers take the audience on a treasure trail through the food production system. The feast will be cooked from surplus (‘waste’) food sourced from local supermarkets and food producers, building on relationships already developed by previous TiR events.
We are not only interested in fun, but fundamental food systems change. We think education and the engagement of young people, is vital to enable this. Specifically, the This is Rubbish School Feasts project has been conceived to address two issues;
1) In the UK we are disconnected from food production systems and supply chains, and as a result know little about them. A survey in 2013 by The British Nutrition Foundation highlighted 21% of primary school children and 18% of secondary school children had never visited a farm; and that 18% of primary school children believed fish fingers came from chicken. This demonstrates a clear need for education on food systems
2) Globally 30%-50% of the food produced today is lost, wasted or discarded somewhere along our food production systems and supply chains before it has chance to reach the dinner table. (IMECHA, 2013). These problems are inter-related, and a lack of understanding about food production and systems leads to decreased appreciation of its value, beyond ‘cash’ value in the shopping basket. TiR believes there is a clear need for cross-cutting, values led education on food.
The project is starting now, and we are looking for partner schools and events to collaborate with us, and host our pilot Feasts. We are also looking for volunteers, performers and general merry makers. If you are interested, get in touch with Poppy@thisisrubbish.org.uk.
Our most esteemed assistants
