We can all make small changes to help the environment. Cooking and eating sustainably is one important way we can contribute. It’s also a great opportunity to get kids of all ages involved, since educated kids are the key to a sustainable future. Tre Stelle, a Canadian company known for their delicious cheese, are giving you a reason to get cooking with your child. It’s also fun for you and your budding Michelin star chef.
They recently launched Cheese4Change, a youth sustainability program that rewards schools and students for sustainable food behaviours. We are sharing more about the program and tips on how you can get your kids involved:
Cheese4Change
Tre Stelle launched Cheese4Change as part of their continued effort to work toward a more sustainable future and reach their goal of carbon net zero by 2050:
“We strive to build a better future for generations to come and see Cheese4Change as an important step in achieving this goal,” said Ryan Baraniuk, Head of Marketing, Arla Foods Canada (Tre Stelle). “Our food choices play a critical role in the health of our planet, which is why Tre Stelle is committed to supporting and rewarding students who make the effort to choose sustainable and healthy food choices.”
Tre Stelle is awarding four grants of $5K to schools, and four grants of $500 to students who share recipes and videos of their commitment to the planet with climate and nature friendly foods.
How to Enter and Win
Eight winners will be announced on June 17, 2022. To be eligible to win, all Canadian students and schools must upload a sustainable recipe and qualify each ingredient as one of at least five sustainable categories: Local, Low to No Waste, Healthy, Ecologically Responsible, and Fair and Accessible. In addition, they will need to upload a video or write a short story detailing their sustainable story and recipe. Entries need to be in by June 10, 2022.
A panel of five sustainability experts including green celebrity chef Danny Smiles of Montreal and youth coordinator Deanna Hammel from Zero Waste Canada, will review the recipes and videos submitted awarding a score based on the overall sustainability of the recipe, video story and taste appeal. The recipes don’t have to be original or complex – as long as the students enjoy them and communicate their sustainable journey with passion and interest, they can win.
The program will pick-up again in September with the intent of growing even bigger with additional prizes to ignite continued passion among Canada’s youth.
Tips on Getting Involved
This is the perfect time of year to take your child to a farmer’s market to teach them about shopping locally and in-season for produce for the recipe that you are submitting. If you have a backyard or urban garden, it may be too early in the season to pick your vegetables, but you can show them how you can grow healthy ingredients too.
Keep the recipes simple and something that your kids like to eat. If they are older, have them explain why each ingredient is sustainable for the contest. Finally, let your kid’s school or their teachers know about the $5,000 prize. Schools always need books and equipment, and $5,000 will go a long way. Share the details on your social media and get your friends and neighbours involved! For full contest details or to submit an entry, visit trestelle.ca/cheese4change.
These ideas are just a few ways that you can encourage your children to be more eco-friendly and help them understand the importance of sustainability.