The global awareness day is dedicated to tackling the issue of food waste, and 75 schools had a special menu prepared by the Facilities School Meal service.

The menu includes the top five menu choices from the primary school menu to encourage young people to eat everything on their plate and reduce food waste.

An information sheet has also been prepared for pupils to try growing leftover foods such as pepper seeds or unused potatoes at home, which can then be harvested and used in future meals.

Executive Director of Community and Enterprise Resources, David Booth, said: “Food waste is a major issue, but it’s also an area where small, everyday actions can lead to real change.

“We believe that by encouraging young people to think about reducing their food waste we are helping them develop habits that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

“The menu prepared for today reflects the most popular choices, which we expect will reduce the amount of food waste, and the information provided to schools and articulated by their teachers will really help drive home the message.

“It’s also something that older children and adults should also be thinking about – together we can reduce food waste, protect the environment, and make the most of the food we buy.”

One of the schools taking part in the day was Kirkfieldbank Primary School, with pupils photographed above with Go Fresh character Alan Apple.

You can find out more tips and hints about reducing food waste from the Stop Food Waste Day website.