York Vikings Rotary Donates 700 Books to Inspire Young Learners
Local primary schools have received a fantastic boost to their learning resources, thanks to York Vikings Rotary Club’s recent donation of 700 copies of the book “Farm to Foodhall”. Partnering with M&S, the Rotary Club distributed the books to seven schools, including Fangfoss, Clifton, St Lawrence’s, Westfield, and Lord Deramore’s Primary Schools.
The book, designed for children aged 6 to 9, takes readers on a journey with a young girl, Amalia, and her grandfather as they explore the fascinating process of how food is grown, harvested, and reaches our tables. Packed with bright, engaging illustrations and simple recipes, the book also educates children on the importance of healthy eating and sustainable food production.
Deputy Headteacher Mrs. Rachel Carr of Lord Deramore’s Primary School was thrilled with the donation:
“The children will love the bright pictures and learning more about the food they eat. We’ll encourage them to try some of the recipes at home. At a time when schools are tight for resources, this support from York Vikings Rotary is extremely welcome.”
Building on Past Success
This initiative builds on York Vikings Rotary’s ongoing commitment to education. In 2022, the club donated 100 pictorial dictionaries to local schools and provided additional funds for purchasing books. The success of that project inspired the club to focus on new ways to encourage reading and learning among young students. When M&S offered 700 copies of Farm to Foodhall, the club saw a perfect opportunity to continue this important work.
What’s Next?
The excitement doesn’t stop with the book donation! York Vikings Rotary is already planning a schools cooking competition for 2025, where students will use recipes from the book to create their dishes. The club hopes to attract celebrity chefs from the region to judge the competition, adding even more excitement for the participating schools.
A Commitment to Service
The York Vikings Rotary Club, with over 45 members, is guided by the motto “Service Above Self”. The club meets weekly and provides practical and financial support for a variety of causes, from education to helping local charities like homeless organization SASH and the HOPING street kitchen.