Are edible insects foods of the future?

DURING National Science Week in August, the Ballarat Tech School is planning to explore a creepy-crawly, yet tasty topic.

In partnership with bug shop Circle Harvest, the School is hosting a Future Foods: Edible Insects evening on Thursday, 19 August, encouraging the community to chat, cook and taste ethically and sustainably-farmed Australian insects that are safe to eat.

Ballarat Tech School associate director Damon Minotti said participants will gain an understanding of insect proteins, nutrients, and the “real and accessible future” of these foods, all via a live video stream.

“The sessions include a cooking workshop, using edible insects to enrich everyday foods, and an interactive online presentation with Circle Harvest, Australia’s only producer of edible insect products for human consumption,” he said.

National Science Week begins on Saturday, 14 August and concludes on Sunday, 22 August. The first Week of its kind was held in 1997.

Over 1000 registered events and experiences will run throughout the 2021 festival of curiosity, engaging more than one million participants.

Ballarat Tech School’s program is just one of many National Science Week activities, which will be facilitated by science centres, schools, libraries, museums, universities, and other institutions across Australia, for young people and adults, budding and professional scientists.

“The Ballarat Tech School is a centre of science, technology, engineering and mathematics excellence that engages students from our partner schools in a high-tech learning environment,” Mr Minotti said.

“We connect schools and industry in innovative learning programs that challenge students to solve problems in a real-world context.

“Our Tech School is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to make Victoria the ‘education state.’ Our educational focus is on real-world applications in a high-tech environment, with innovative STEM learning programs developed collaboratively by industry and education partners.”

Tickets for Future Foods: Edible Insects are $5 via bit.ly/3x1berp. Visit ballarattechschool.vic.edu.au for further information.