If you spend any amount of time online, you'll notice that parents are currently inundated with ideas on how to pass the time in social isolation at home with the kids.

In fact, there’s so much out there – ideas on crafts, science experiments, children’s online physical education classes – it’s almost overwhelming.

What working parents need right now are education solutions for young children that are achievable, fun (because moms get bored, too!) and well-organised enough that they don’t require boxes of supplies or unplanned trips to the shop.

Where food comes from

Agri Aware is now offering its incredible edibles programme to households across Ireland, for parents and kids to do together.

Originally a school-led initiative, incredible edibles is for primary students aged four to 12.

The aim of the programme is for children to gain an understanding of where food comes from, the value of farming and how to make smart, healthy eating choices.

Now known as the 'Incredible Edibles Family Challenge', Agri Aware is encouraging the whole family to get involved in this programme. Free registration

Registration is free of charge - parents simply fill out an online form on Agri Aware's website. The form will ask how many children are participating, their age(s) and whether the child(ren) are beginners or advanced, as the programme caters to different age groups.

Agri Aware’s executive director Marcus O’Halloran said: “(We are) delighted to launch our popular Incredible Edibles Family Challenge programme to primary school children and their families during this period of social distancing, which is sometimes challenging, especially for young families.

"Due to the rise in popularity in gardening and growing Irish produce in recent weeks, we felt it was the right time to launch this new programme that is based on our well-known Incredible Edibles programme, which over 1,000 primary schools have taken part in every year for the last 12 years.”

To complete the family challenge, there are five tasks and worksheets to finish. You can spread them out over several weeks or submit all of the tasks together at any time.

Completed challenges will be put in a draw with the chance to win €175 worth of prizes.

Parents are asked to take photos of the completed worksheets and describe what was done for each task. Marcus says there will be a different theme for each week of the programme.

Children who take part in the programme will learn key skills and facts around Irish fruit and vegetables

“Children who take part in the programme will learn key skills and facts around Irish fruit and vegetables within the five programme tasks,” he explains.

”The five tasks include learning about food origins, identifying Irish food, planting, growing or reusing Irish fruit and vegetables, preparing and cooking food (with the supervision of a parent or guardian) and learning about the nutrients in Irish fruit and vegetables for healthy eating week in May.”

Agri Aware chair Alan Jagoe says, in an increasingly urban society, learning about food and food production has become an essential aspect of primary school education.

“It is more important than ever that children know where their food comes from and that Irish farmers play a huge role in producing the food that ends up in their lunchbox or on their dinner plate,” he said.

“If children learn this in primary school, it gives them a greater appreciation and knowledge of Irish food and farming going forward throughout their lifetime.”

To find out more about the Incredible Edibles Family Challenge or to register, visit their website at https://www.incredibleedibles.ie/iefamilychallenge.html.