A VERY successful program aimed at teaching children about veggies and fruit has been celebrated with mangos!
‘Pick of the Crop’ coordinator Helena De Bortoli, from Bowen Gumlu Growers Association (BGGA), launched Mango Mania to honour the region’s mango industry.
It was timed to coincide with National Agriculture Day, on November 15 last year.
It also recognised the achievements that schools in the ‘Pick of the Crop’ initiative make in enhancing opportunities for their students to consume more veggies and fruit.
‘Pick of the Crop’ is a whole-of-school healthy eating initiative hosted by BGGA, which services primary state schools across North Queensland to learn about, and eat more, veggies and fruit.
The Mango Mania celebration engaged seven state schools across the Bowen and Burdekin regions, including Cannonvale, Clare, Millaroo, Gumlu, Kalamia, Scottville, and East Ayr State Schools.
“Each school received donated mangoes and a Mango Teaching Pack with recipes, educational resources, and paddock-to-plate activities,” Ms De Bortoli said.
“Local growers played a key role in Mango Mania. Schools had to ‘thank a grower’ who has supported them on their ‘Pick of the Crop’ journey.
“Students from East Ayr State School’s enviro club wrote a heartfelt thank you letter to Wills Mango Farm, for his generous donations.
“Wills Mangoes generously donated 13 trays of R2E2 mangoes, providing students with fresh, locally grown fruit to enjoy and learn from.”
Ms De Bortoli said students eagerly participated in mango-themed activities, from making mango smoothies and mango bliss balls, to drying mango chips, while learning about the mango paddock-to-plate journey and the king of fruit itself.
Bowen Tourism’s beloved mascot Kenny the Mango made surprise visits to several schools, spreading mango joy with hugs, high-fives and smiles all around.
“The celebration not only showcased one of summer’s most beloved fruits but also strengthened school connections with local growers, supporting continued efforts to raise awareness about horticulture and inspire lifelong veggie and fruit consumption,” Ms De Bortoli said.
Contributed by Bowen Gumlu Growers Association.
