Area students to take a Bite out of Brant Agri-food industry next week

MEDIA RELEASE - Over 1,000 Grade 5 students, from the County of Brant and City of Brantford, Public, Catholic and Private Schools will descend on the Burford Fairgrounds for the 29th annual "Bite of Brant11 program, April 9-10th . The introduction to the local agri-food industry is presented in 20 different stations designed to give the students a real-life demonstration of how their food is produced, as well as outlining the benefits of Ontario and Canadian produced food.

“It is important for students to gain an appreciation for the high quality of Ontario food and to have some knowledge of how it is produced, since they are already consumers AND they are our future decision-makers,” said Bite of Brant organizer Jean Emmott.

Station activities include pressing apples to make cider, investigating cow milking procedures with a life-size cow model, studying plant needs, comparing input food costs, grinding wheat to make flour for pizza dough, probing careers in the agri-food industry, observing live farm animals, exploring farm equipment and environmental land stewardship. A new station this year focuses mushrooms.

All stations have outcomebased activities that support the Ontario Curriculum in several subject areas, including Science and Technology, Social Studies, Math, Language, Art and Health

The overall purpose is to increase awareness of the agri-food industry in Brant County and its vital role in our economy and society. The success of this program lies with the support of the approximately 125 volunteers and the dedicated planning committee, who plan, organize and present this popular program. Without their commitment, Bite of Brant would not be possible. In the fall of 2022, Bite of Brant Program Volunteers, consisting of farmers, educators and agribusiness representatives were recognized with the 2022 June Callwood Outstanding Volunteerism Award for Ontario. This prestigious award is presented by the Ministry of Citizenship and Multiculturalism.

Since Bite of Brant was launched in 1996, over 22,000 Grade 5 students have attended The students leave with a full mind and full belly. Each student receives a slice of pizza, an Ontario apple and a carton of milk at the conclusion of their visit. Schools benefit from a bus subsidy, thanks to the generosity of Brantford City Council, Brant County Council and local Optimist and Lions' Service Clubs.

During last year’s 2023 Bite of Brant event, Alison Harrison’s Grade 5 students explored the various activity-based stations to find out how local agri-food producers prepare the food they consume. The annual Bite of Brant event is back in Burford next week on April 9-10. It will attract Grade 5 students from Brant County and City of Brantford schools.