Primary schools in Ceredigion are now serving Welsh-grown organic vegetables as part of the Welsh Veg in Schools project.
The scheme, coordinated by Food Sense Wales, aims to incorporate more organic Welsh produce into school meals across the country.
Ceredigion is the seventh council area to join the pilot project, which is a collaboration among Castell Howell, Farming Connect Horticulture, and various growers, including Patrick Holden of Bwlchwernen Fawr Farm near Lampeter.
Schools such as Ysgol y Dderi in Llangybi will receive the organic vegetables.
Pupils from years 3 and 4 of Ysgol y Dderi visited Bwlchwernen Fawr Farm in September to learn about the project and the farm's contribution of carrots to schools across South and West Wales.
Following their visit, the children campaigned for Bwlchwernen carrots to be included in their school lunches.
This initiative led to a live school project aimed at integrating local produce into Ysgol y Dderi's kitchen.
The students invited Gill Jones, head of catering at Ceredigion County Council, to discuss the school meal service and welcomed Dafydd Walters from Castell Howell to explain supply chains.
They also reached out to politicians, including Ben Lake MP and Elin Jones MS, to influence how vegetables are sourced for school meals.
Councillor Bryan Davies, leader of Ceredigion County Council, who was inspired by the students' efforts, said: "I’m extremely pleased that Ysgol y Dderi, Cardigan Primary, Bro Sion Cwilt and Plascrug School are taking part in this project.
"Organic vegetables are a much healthier option for our children, and it also supports local businesses whilst reducing the carbon footprint of transportation.
"Congratulations to the pupils from the four schools for all their efforts in ensuring that this was achieved."
Heini Thomas, headteacher at Ysgol y Dderi, said: "My year 3 and 4 class were over the moon to hear that they had managed to get Bwlchwernen carrots onto our school menu.
"They appreciate that although it seems like a simple adjustment, it is actually extremely difficult and a lot of influential people have to be in the same room at the same time with the same goal.
"I’m so glad that my children have learned that their voices are important and people do listen."
Farmer Patrick Holden from Bwlchwernen Farm said: "Growing organic carrots for Welsh schools after a gap of 18 years since we last grew them for supermarkets has been an inspiring experience."
Dr Amber Wheeler, the project lead for Welsh Veg in Schools, added: "We’re really pleased that Ceredigion County Council is joining the Welsh Veg in Schools project.
"It’s so inspiring to know that the decision to take part was influenced by the children and then actioned by the leader of the council."
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