Giffnock pupils win national food product development challenge

FDF Scotland, in partnership with Tilda developed the Challenge which is open to all secondary schools across Scotland.

The initiative challenged S1 and S2 pupils to take inspiration from today’s food trends to develop a new street food dish containing Tilda wholegrain rice.

Representatives from Tilda and FDF Scotland visited four of the six finalists week commencing March 16 to meet the pupils and staff, see the dishes being prepared and hear the pupils presentations.

The overall winner was Chicken and Rice Bon Bons developed by a team at St Ninian’s High School.

Runners up included a pizza with a rice base developed by Merkland School in East Dunbartonshire and St Pauls High School in Glasgow who developed a dish called Confetti Rice, the pupils dyed the rice with turmeric and beetroot to create the effect.

A spokesman for FDF Scotland said: “The judging was very difficult as the standard of product and quality of work produced was outstanding, so much so we awarded an overall winner with two additional prizes to recognize the pupils efforts.”

The aim of the challenge is to develop employability skills and increase understanding of careers in the food and drink industry whilst supporting healthy eating and social responsibility. Pupils were also asked to explain the journey of rice, its health benefits and identify ways of raising money for Tildas charity partner Marys Meals.

Tilda are absolutely delighted with the response, the standard of the work and the ideas submitted and enthusiasm of the pupils participating.