A campaign will be launched during the two-day fair on September 9 and 10 to promote the inclusion of lean, high protein game meat in Welsh hospitals and schools. Will Oakley, the operations director of Willo Game, a Shropshire-based company, is a strong advocate of this campaign. Oakley recognizes that there are some misconceptions surrounding game as a food source, which they need to overcome. However, he asserts that when one examines the facts, there are compelling reasons to introduce game to NHS menus. He states that game meat is the healthiest option available, being the leanest and having the highest protein value among all meats.
Oakley also emphasizes that game meat is free from human intervention. Unlike farmed meats, game is not exposed to steroids, antibiotics, or other additives. This is attributed to the animals’ wild lifestyle, where deer roam freely and graze naturally from birth. The same principle applies to fowl such as pheasant, partridge, and grouse, which have higher protein levels and less saturated fat but more polyunsaturated fat than chicken. Consequently, these meats are significantly lower in cholesterol. Oakley argues that the nutritional benefits derived from consuming a small portion of game surpass those obtained from a plateful of other red meats. This advantage is particularly important in hospital settings, where recovering or ill patients may struggle to eat large meals. By offering game meat in smaller portions, patients can still meet their nutritional requirements.
Willo Game has already achieved success exporting game meat worldwide, with customers throughout Europe, Hong Kong, and the Middle East. Additionally, local demand is increasing as pubs and restaurants recognize the value of game in terms of its environmental impact and pricing. Oakley reveals that in Wales, game has a comparable carbon footprint to locally raised beef or lamb, making it an economically viable option for hospitals. By choosing game, NHS budgets would not face further constraints.
James Grower, the chief executive of Stable Events, the organization hosting the show, points out that culling deer in Wales is essential for preserving the local eco-system. Immediately after culling, the game enters the food chain as a natural source of additive-free meat. Grower contends that game should be valued rather than excluded from hospital menus, advocating for a reevaluation of how we approach healthy diets. He states that game is homegrown in Wales, representing the most natural, free-range meat available. Given its low carbon footprint and incredible health benefits, it is a logical choice for hospitals. Events like the Welsh Game Fair are expected to raise awareness about the potential of game meat and highlight it as a prominent option for consumers.
In conclusion, the campaign for introducing game meat in Welsh hospitals and schools seeks to address misconceptions and promote the numerous health benefits of game. It is important to recognize that game meat is free from human intervention and provides higher protein levels with lower cholesterol and saturated fat. The success of exporting game worldwide and the comparable carbon footprint to locally raised beef or lamb make game a financially viable choice for hospitals. By valuing game and including it on hospital menus, we can prioritize healthy diets and support the local ecosystem. The Welsh Game Fair, along with similar events, will play an instrumental role in highlighting game meat’s potential and encouraging its widespread adoption.
