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Food for Life currently works with over 200 schools in Leicestershire including six primary schools who are specifically involved in this project. The cooks from these six schools have introduced various Food For Life bean-based recipes, which will be taste-tested on their pupils throughout March.  

Lisa Didier from BeanMeals, said: “It’s about the beans’ carbohydrate and protein mix – you don’t get the energy drop after lunch. Beans are also high in fibre, which is lacking in modern diets yet absolutely essential for good health.

“The caterers at Leicestershire Traded Services and City Catering have risen to the challenge and the schools and teachers have been linking the beans to curricular activities in history, geography and sustainability.”

At present, the UK imports 50,000 tons of raw beans annually from Canada. The University of Warwick has developed two new haricot beans that can be grown in the UK and cook quickly, further reducing their climate impact.

Researchers from the University of Liverpool will lead the project’s next stage by observing the children at the six schools to see their reactions, enjoyment and measure the level of food waste.