Education
Pembrokeshire Youth Learn about Pancake Ingredients from Local Farmers Ahead of Pancake Day 2024
Over 1,000 young pancake enthusiasts from Pembrokeshire had a unique educational opportunity to discover the local origins of their favorite dessert in preparation for Pancake Day 2024.
Hosted by the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society, the two-day Food Story event brought together more than 1,200 students from over 30 schools, ranging from five to 16 years old, to interact with farmers across various sectors including arable, dairy, pig, sheep, and poultry, as well as honey producers throughout the county.
During the event, farmers generously volunteered their time to engage with the children, providing hands-on demonstrations and insights into the production processes of pancake ingredients. They also emphasized sustainable farming practices and the importance of preserving the countryside.
Additionally, students had the opportunity to explore farm machinery and interact with animals, gaining a firsthand understanding of the practices involved in producing the food they consume.
Kathy Wilson, a former teacher and current Honorary Pembrokeshire Show Governor, who spearheaded the event on behalf of the society’s Food Story / Stori Bwyd, expressed deep gratitude to the farmers for dedicating two days from their busy schedules to educate and demonstrate food production methods to the children.
Wilson noted the children’s enthusiasm and attentiveness during the event, highlighting their active participation in the demonstrations and their teachers’ interest in incorporating the acquired knowledge into their school curricula.
One of the primary missions of the Pembrokeshire Agricultural Society is educational outreach and promoting awareness among local communities about the origins of food produced by farmers in the region. The culminating activity of enjoying pancakes after learning about their production from the farmers undoubtedly left a lasting impression on the students.
Pancake Day, known for its widespread celebration in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada, marks the day before Ash Wednesday, signifying the commencement of Lent. Traditionally, individuals refrain from consuming rich foods during Lent, motivating the tradition of using up ingredients like butter and eggs by making pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.
Whether individuals prefer traditional fluffy pancakes or crepe-style variations, Pancake Day serves as the perfect occasion to indulge in this beloved treat while supporting local farmers. Remember, every pancake made using local ingredients contributes to sustaining the agricultural industry.