PETER GORTON LOOKING TO ADOPT A PLYMOUTH SCHOOL FOR A YEAR APPLICATIONS INVITED

10 October 2006

Peter Gorton from Michelin Star Horn of Plenty in Gulworthy near Tavistock is looking to adopt a school in Plymouth to help them with every aspect of cooking and nutrition. He also wants to help raise money for the school's Parent Teacher's Association by giving cookery demonstrations at school events. Applications from Plymouth schools are invited.

The top chef is calling for heads of school in Plymouth to write to him explaining why they think he should adopt their school and what they think he could do to help.

Jamie Oliver in his School Dinners television series showed how inadequate some school-prepared meals are in terms to quality and nutrition.

“Some schools are changing their approach towards educating children about nutrition but this needs to continue and children need to know how the food they eat has a direct impact on how they feel and behave and how it affects their levels of energy and concentration,” said Peter.

“I want to help the kids to learn how eating a healthy, balance diet can help them improve their mood, maintain a healthy weight and energy level and help to keep them free from colds and other infections,” he continued.

Peter Gorton wants to help the school to teach healthy eating by:

• Introducing a variety of foods and cooking techniques.
• Encouraging them to cut down on processed and ‘fast' food.
• Explaining the benefits of eating fewer animal products and more fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains.

Peter, who is currently in training for next year's London marathon, has always been a keen sportsman having played rugby when he was younger for a number of teams around the Swansea area. He wants to talk about the benefits and importance of balancing the food children eat with physical activity.

“ Children need good nutrition and they need to keep fit because their bodies are growing and developing. They need the energy nutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals to keep their systems functioning properly.

“ Unfortunately, many children are affected by peer pressure at school, so they see what is in each other's packed lunches and even if their parents have packed them a healthy lunch they may swap for another child's unhealthy snack. If they learn to enjoy healthy food and see that it isn't boring, then swapping food would be less of an issue,” said Peter.

“I want to show the schools that kids are interested in health and that it is possible for them to learn the difference between healthy food and junk food and to avoid problems such as diabetes and anemia due to poor eating habits. The best way for them to maintain a healthy approach to food in adult life is to teach them when they are young,” said Peter.

Interested heads of Plymouth schools should write to Peter stating why they think they would benefit from him adopting their school. Letters should be addressed to:

Peter Gorton
The Horn of Plenty
Gulworthy
Tavistock
Devon, PL19 8JD