Jura and Islay schools are now serving venison, aiming to promote local produce and healthy eating among students
Jura: Venison is making its way onto the lunch plates of kids in six schools on Jura and Islay. This move is all about cutting down on food miles and promoting local produce.
The project is a team effort between Argyll and Bute Council and a new business called Wild Jura. They’re using wild venison sourced from local estates, which is pretty cool.
Kids at Small Isles Primary got to try out wild venison meatballs and burgers, and they’re now part of the school menu. It’s a healthy option, packed with protein and low in saturated fat.
One student shared how great it was to have venison for the first time, especially since it’s locally sourced and good for the environment. Everyone seemed to love it!
Another kid mentioned how much better the Wild Jura venison is compared to regular burgers. It’s amazing how trying something new can change your mind about food.
The council teamed up with Food for Life Scotland to whip up recipes that meet the nutritional needs for school meals. Councillor Ross Moreland expressed excitement about adding wild venison to the menus.
He pointed out that using high-quality, locally sourced food is a no-brainer. The demand for local venison has always been there, but it wasn’t possible until Wild Jura stepped in.
Kids played a big role in this pilot project, learning about sustainable food and even helping to decide what dishes to include. It’s a great way to promote climate-friendly eating in Argyll and Bute.
Wild Jura’s founders, Andy and Cath McCallum, are thrilled to supply venison to these schools. They highlighted the positive collaboration with the council and the involvement of students and teachers.
As more people recognize the benefits of fresh, local ingredients, it’s fantastic to see schools embracing these options. The low food miles and minimal processing make it a win-win for everyone.
