BRITISH Food Fortnight is under way and allows people across the country to celebrate all that is wonderful about British food.

The two-week celebration led by Love British Food began last Saturday and Hampshire Fare, a proud member of Love British Food, is once again taking local food into the classroom.

In previous years, Hampshire Fare has worked with Bentley Primary School and the legacy will live on as the school will independently organise local producer-led events during the fortnight.

Tracy Nash, commercial manager of Hampshire Fare, said: “British Food Fortnight is one of our favourite times of the year. We so enjoy going into schools and sharing our love for local food and drink with the next generation.

“Our plan is to visit a new school each year, always leaving behind the knowledge and skills needed for the school to organise their own British Food Fortnight session for the following year.”

New for this year, Hampshire Fare has teamed up with producer Great British Biscotti to challenge students in catering colleges to create and make a Hampshire canapé using the biscotti.

Hampshire Fare has also been working closely with Hampshire County Council catering service to support them in sourcing a British meal with an emphasis on Hampshire ingredients.

Throughout the fortnight, pupils across the county will be served a British meal including Hampshire beef patties supplied by Solent Butchers, Hampshire watercress salad from The Watercress Company in Alresford, and strawberries from New Forest Fruits.

Secondary schools will also be serving British themed dishes throughout the fortnight. The county council’s catering service is encouraging schools to take part in as many healthy eating events as possible.

Riverford Farm, at Upper Norton, near Winchester, is inviting people to the farm to take part in their veg masterclass and farm tour. They will also be taking a coach to visit their farm in Devon for lunch, breadmaking and a farm tour.

And you can shop for local produce at the Winchester Cathedral harvest on September 30 and October 1.

“With lots of Hampshire food and drink to try and buy, there will also be activities for all the family,” said a spokesman for Hampshire Fare.

For more details, visit hampshirefare.co.uk.