Bite of Brant is returning as an in-person program.
More than 900 Grade 5 students from Brantford and Brant County will be at the Burford fairgrounds on April 12 and 13 to learn more about where their food comes from.
Because of the pandemic, organizers canceled the event in 2020 for the first time in 24 consecutive years. Last year’s event was virtual.
Jean Emmott, who has co-ordinated Bite of Brant since its beginning, said the event seeks to increase awareness of the agri-food industry in Brant County and its role in the economy and community at large.
“It is important for students to gain an appreciation for the high quality of Ontario food and to have some knowledge of how it is produced, since they are already consumers and they are our future decision-makers.”
Bite of Brant features 18 stations representing various commodities from the agri-food industry. Activities include pressing apples to make cider, cow milking and grinding wheat.
Students also will be introduced to careers in the agri-food industry, see farm animals and learn about farm equipment and environmental land stewardship.
Emmott noted that the event’s success is due to the support of about 100 volunteers and a planning committee. It is also supported by Brantford and Brant County councils and local service clubs.
Students attending the event come from the Grand Erie and Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic district school boards and private schools in Brantford and Brant.
Students are given a slice of pizza, an apple and a carton of milk at the end of their visit.
Bite of Brant was the 2019 recipient of the Champion Award presented annually by Farm and Food Care Ontario to recognize individuals or groups for their significant commitment to public outreach and support for the province’s farming community.
Farm and Food Care Ontario is a registered Canadian charity and coalition representing Ontario farmers and associated businesses.
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