Food Programme: Food blogger Martha Payne discussing NeverSeconds

Martha Payne and family in polytunnel

Martha Payne a breath of fresh air on the Food Programme this Sunday lunch time.

• The Extraordinary Food Story of Martha Payne

A nine-year-old girl talks more sense on food than most adults. She has a better understanding of food than those adults who think it ok to abuse their children with a trip to the local McDonald’s.

It was a delight to hear Martha talking about her blog, NeverSeconds.

What message is the London 2012 Olympics sending out to children? Official food McDonald’s. Official drink Coca-Cola. Official chocolate Cadbury’s. Official diseases obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Would the London 2012 Olympics not been in keeping with the spirit of the Olympics if they had invited local growers and producers to supply the food, local chefs to prepare? Those attending would have seen the best in British food, not a diet of junk industrial mass produced food.

Martha has stimulated worldwide interest in food. At a time of increasing childhood obesity, when children are suffering type 2 diabetes (a disease usually associated with late middle age), when the food industry is peddling junk food aimed at children, then Martha is a breath of fresh air.

• The Men Who Made Us Fat (1 of 3)
• The Men Who Made Us Fat (2 of 3)
• The Men Who Made Us Fat (3 of 3)

She has successfully improved the meals at her own school: better choice, bigger portions, more nutritious and appetising.

Martha has become part of a much wider debate and network both locally and nationally. This can be seen in her support for Mary’s Kitchen in Malawi and the invite to guest bloggers whilst she is on holiday.

I have to say I am very impressed by her runner beans in the polytunnel. Mine popped out the ground then got eaten by slugs and snails.

I have nominated Martha and NeverSeconds for the Food and Farming Awards, will you?

I cannot think of a more deserving recipient for the Derek Cooper Award than Martha and NeverSeconds as a writer who has raised awareness of food, especially with children, and raised more than £100,000 for a food kitchen in Malawi for schoolchildren, to be called Friends of NeverSeconds.

Martha is now on her school holidays, starting with a camping trip. She has invited guest blogs whilst on her trips, but I am sure we will be hearing from her too.

The Food Programme interview with Martha Payne will be rebroadcast 1530 Monday 16 July 2012.

• Martha Payne talks about NeverSeconds and Mary’s Kitchen
• Gove’s school food inquiry gets roasting from Jamie Oliver
• Children’s Food

Tags: Martha Payne, NeverSeconds