Bite of Brant draws hundreds of students

More than 900 enthusiastic Grade 5 and 6 students and teachers from Brantford and Brant County Public, Catholic and private schools gathered at the Burford Fair Grounds for the 26th annual “Bite of Brant” program. 

Held April 12-13, 18 stations representing various commodities from the agri-food industry provided the students with opportunities to gain an appreciation for the source of some of their food and its quality, as well as the benefits of Ontario and Canadian produced food. 

The purpose of this event is to increase awareness of the agri-food industry in Brant County and its vital role in the federal and provincial economies and societies.

The format featured examples of local food commodities, with an overall Pizza theme. Students received a slice of pizza, an Ontario apple and a carton of milk at the conclusion of their visit. Schools benefited from a bus subsidy, thanks to a subsidy provided by Brantford city and county councils and local service clubs.

Activities included pressing apples to make cider, investigating cow milking procedures with a life-size cow model, considering nutritional benefits, 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. Outcome-based activities support the Ontario Curriculum in several subject areas, such as science and technology, social studies, math, language, art and health.