One of the key things we stand for at Arla is to help people eat well. We believe that starts with ensuring children understand where food comes from.
It’s this ethos that’s behind our partnership with the Leeds United Foundation. We’ve been working alongside the foundation to support young children and families in Leeds since 2021, providing them with education around food, nutrition and healthy lifestyles. The charity uses the power of Leeds United to inspire those who need it most and tackle food education and insecurity in and around the city.
Together, we’ve been empowering local young people to be confident, develop their skills and lead active lifestyles. In this time, our partnership has helped more than 6,900 children in Leeds, with the goal to work with 8,500 kids in the city by the end of 2023. So far, we’ve provided 50,400 meals to families in the most deprived areas of Leeds during the school holidays. Education is a key element of the partnership, with over 1,600 health and well-being sessions also provided to primary school children in years 1 and 4. Children learn the importance of a balanced diet and how to make simple and healthy meals.
Elland Road school education sessions
As well as the work we’ve done in schools, 160 school classes have had the opportunity to visit Elland Road to learn more about where food comes from and how to be healthy.
On the 29th September, 15 of our employees spent the day with 90 year 4 pupils from Beeston Primary School, with the aim of educating them about food and inspiring them to be active at one of the most iconic locations in the city.
At the home of Leeds United, the pupils enjoyed a stadium tour and had the chance to score a penalty on the pitch against club mascot Lucas the Kop Kat. They were also treated to a smoothie-making experience with Arla Cravendale and a talk around the life of a dairy farmer with 3 of our farmer owners. The children left with an appreciation of where milk comes from, as well as a medal presented by a member of the Leeds United team.
