PROMOTING healthy eating was very much on the agenda for pupils of Cowdenbeath Primary School when they visited Morrisons Superstore.

Just before the school summer holidays began the store staff were happy to welcome pupils from Cowdenbeath Primary on a visit.

Said the Raith Centre store's Community Champion, Deborah Graham: "Our two issues of focus were promoting healthier eating and how we all can help save the environment.

"With this in mind we took the kids behind the scenes to our warehouse and on to the shop floor concentrating on our Market Street departments of Fishmongers, Butchers and Fruit and Veg.

"The first stop was our warehouse where we discussed the ways of transportation of our products from origin to store and the ways they are kept fresh.

"The subject then moved on to recycling and the responsibility we all have in helping to save our environment. It was encouraging to see the amount of knowledge the kids had on this already.

"We spoke on the way forward and the latest initiative from Morrisons with our customers now being able to bring their own containers to our fish and meat counters thereby reducing packaging".

Added Deborah: "Our Fishmongers and Butchers then advised on healthier foods and healthier ways of cooking. The pupils were also shown how to identify specific things on packaging ie, fat content and that less is healthier.

"Our final stop was to our Fruit & Veg department speaking on countries of origin, the ways in which they are grown, and the climates they require.

"Focusing on healthier eating, the kids were treated to some fruit tasters including local strawberries and raspberries from Fife and Perthshire. "The interaction reverted back to the environment. With our "Wonky" brand of fruit and veg, Morrisons are not only committed to supporting farmers across the UK meaning we can buy full crops, but by doing this tackling the problem of edible food waste. The fruit and veg may come in different shapes and sizes, but are just as fresh and taste just as good".

At the end of the visit the pupils were all given a healthy goodie bag to take away.

Concluded Deborah: "It was great to receive positive feedback from the school and the pupils, resulting in a 'thumbs up' for our store. Any local group or school looking to arrange a tour/visit can contact myself at the store."

In relation to our fundraising for local groups, schools and charities The Morrisons staff are delighted to advise that their current total for this year stands at £9,130.39.

Charity buckets at checkouts are currently alternating between the store's charity partner CLICSargent, fighting to stop cancer destroying young lives (clicsargent.org.uk) and Prostate Scotland, proving information, advice, support and advancement on male health issues (prostatescotland.org.uk).

Went on Deborah: "We continue to support local worthy causes with donations and are also pleased to advise we now have a foodbank donation station to help local people in crisis located at the exit doors of the store. This includes supporting Cowdenbeath and Benarty foodbanks.

"None of this would ever be possible without the support and generosity of our customers and on behalf of everyone in store "THANK YOU".