Final-year Nutrition, Family & Consumer Studies students at the University of Malta organised a stand at the farmers’ market in Ta’ Qali.

Themed Kul frisk u lokali – Biddel il-konvenzjonali (Eat fresh and local – change the conventional mentaliy), the idea, originally conceived by a group of Home Economics student-teachers, was to encourage consumers to use local, fresh and seasonal foods in innovative ways.

Items on display, which were offered for tasting, included artichoke and sun-dried tomato dip, aubergine dip, cabbage wraps, kosksu (not couscous) salad, farmers’ pie, sweet ricotta pie, carrot cake and fruit smoothies.

A booklet featuring the recipes and a leaflet explain-ing the role of home econo-mics in promoting nutritious food preparation were also distributed.

Children visiting the stand were invited to play traditional games such as Passju, Bum Bum il-Bieb and Ħabel.

Such community events are organised regularly within the NFCS course, encouraging students to partner and collaborate with NGOs and public and business entities to foster healthy and sustainable living.

In the process, students get the opportunity to practise and hone their communication and organisational skills, as well as learn more about basic marketing.

The booklet and leaflet are available for download on the Home Economists in Action website at http://heiamalta.wix.com/home#!resources .

For more information, e-mail suzanne.piscopo@um.edu.mt.