At the Abergavenny Food Festival on Sunday, September 22, 2023, students from four Monmouthshire primary schools showcased their culinary talents, impressing judges and audiences with their innovative chickpea korma.

The event, presented by Kate Humble and judged by Masterchef winner James Nathan, highlighted Monmouthshire County Council’s commitment to serving sustainable and delicious lunchtime meals for schools across our county.

Pupils from Osbaston, Kymin View, Raglan, and Undy collaborated with Size of Wales in partnership with the Council, The Co-op Foundation, and The ‘Cookalong Clwb’ to create a deforestation-free recipe. Their efforts demonstrated the creative potential of vegetables, emphasised the importance of sustainable meal choices, but most importantly that meals of all kinds can be enjoyed.

Following the event, Monmouthshire County Council announced its decision to introduce the chickpea curry into school menus across the county. This initiative marks a significant step towards the council’s goal of becoming deforestation-free champions and sets a new standard for sustainable school meal practices within the region. The chickpea korma will sit on the school menu alongside traditional options using British meat.

Monmouthshire County Council’s Leader, Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, expressed her enthusiasm: “Some of the youngest residents in our community are now showing us how we, as a county, can change towards more sustainable sourced food. The commitment to include this on our school menus shows our dedication to become deforestation-free champions.”

“The introduction of the very tasty chickpea curry to school menus reflects Monmouthshire’s dedication to promoting sustainable, locally sourced food to support the wellbeing of our learners.”