Little Food Festival: big ideas for little foodies

Over two days in the April school holidays, the Foundation was proud to be a part of the Little Food Festival, presented by our friends at the Sandro Demaio Foundation. Taking place at Fed Square, the aim of the festival was to “connect the dots for kids between our food, its supply chain and its relationship to the health of our bodies and planet”.

Global food production is a major driver of climate change and food insecurity is a growing challenge to health and wellbeing. The festival aims to engage kids in big issues in a fun and empowering way.

– Dr Sandro Demaio

The two-day festival hosted a variety of performances and cooking demonstrations. As well as a range of market stalls and education stations where children could learn about the life stages of fresh produce, from seedling to compost. There was a food-themed library and yoga class, lunchbox tips for parents, and the team from United Africa Farm were on-site to help children learn about traditional African produce.

Our stall was set up to teach festival-goers how to make delicious rice paper rolls. They were encouraged to collect herbs before using them in their own rolls with carrots, cucumbers and rice noodles. There was a constant line of young people thrilled about making (and then eating) their rolls. We were very impressed with the rolling skills! Parents also walked away with some fresh ideas for lunchboxes.

We were happily exhausted after the two days of frivolity and so pleased to take part in the Little Food Festival, ensuring positive food habits and environmentally conscious food consumption is taught early.

Thank you, once again, to the Sandro Demaio Foundation team for inviting us along. We look forward to more fun events in the future - both in Melbourne and across Australia!

Header photo: courtesy Fed Square.