An Aberdeenshire schoolteacher has devised an innovative resource, based on wartime rationing, to give children a better understanding of food and nutrition.
According to the British Nutrition Foundation, people were better fed during the Second World War than before it, thanks to a more balanced diet with less meat, fat and sugar. This led to a decrease in infant mortality rates and a higher average age of death.
Lorna Saunders, of Monymusk Primary, has produced RATIONal Food, which uses rationing to teach children in primary and secondary schools about the important links between health and diet.
She was helped by Sue Bird of Aberdeen’s Rowett Research Institute, which conducts nutrition research. Sir John Boyd Orr, the founding director, was the scientist responsible for the research behind the rationing system of the Second World War.
“Sue and I decided to take advantage of the link and build on existing outreach work at the institute by using the rationing system as an interesting way of exploring food and nutrition,” said Lorna. “Ideally, RATIONal Food is suited for use alongside the history of Second World War.”
Pupils find out about Boyd Orr, explore his research and investigate the food included.
* www.millgatehouse.co.uk
