HIGH school students throughout Scotland are relishing the challenge to get their teeth into their own recipes with the launch of this year’s Better Burger Challenge.
Organised by Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) in partnership with Food and Drink Federation Scotland, the opportunity will see pupils aged 11 to 15 come up with an innovative burger that incorporates every aspect of the food journey.
Burgers are hugely popular in Scotland, with this year’s shop sales showing an 8 per cent increase to £23.6 million.
The Better Burger Challenge also focuses on reformulation – the process of redesigning existing food products to make them healthier – while aligning with QMS’s Make it With Meat resource.
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Pupils will explore topics such as farming, nutrition, reformulation, product development, labelling, costing, and careers, making it an all-encompassing learning experience.
Alix Ritchie, Education Manager at QMS, said: “This challenge is not just about creating a delicious burger, it’s about empowering the next generation with knowledge and skills that will stay with them for life. Learning about food and nutrition as well as acquiring practical skills helps develop personal healthy habits, and developing an understanding of commercial processes, fostering learning they will take forward into their careers.
“Pupils participating in the challenge are tasked with creating an innovative burger that can be sold within the school canteen, using the high-quality ingredients of Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb, or Specially Selected Pork.
“Along the way, they will discover what makes these brands unique and the factors that set them apart. Judges will be looking for entries that have effectively incorporated food reformulation, which involves redesigning existing food products with the aim of making them healthier.”
Moira Stalker, Skills Manager at Food and Drink Federation Scotland, added: “The Better Burger Challenge is a fantastic initiative. This challenge will help more young people learn about the processes and people involved in making food and the many careers available – while helping to develop the workforce of the future for the vital food and drink sector.”
Pupils will be required to explain their design process and decision-making, consider dietary requirements, and highlight unique selling points.
Open to S1, S2, and S3 pupils across Scottish Secondary Schools with one entry per class, the deadline for entries is 22 March 2024.
For more information and to take part, visit www.farmingfoodsteps.co.uk or email education@qmscotland.co.uk
