First Helpings: A history of children and food

Sat May 30 2026 at 10:30 am to 11:30 am UTC+01:00

York Explore Library | York

York Festival of Ideas
Publisher/HostYork Festival of Ideas
First Helpings: A history of children and food
Advertisement
What should children eat and why? How should they eat it and what should they learn about food?
About this Event

Speakers: Deborah Albon and Amy Palmer

What should children eat and drink? What table manners are appropriate and how should they be taught? What should children learn about food in terms of cooking and ethical food choices? These are just some of the food-related questions that people have wrestled with throughout history: they are hotly debated topics to this day!

Join authors Deborah Albon and Amy Palmer as they discuss the relationship between children and food in history, giving a flavour of the many different topics they cover in their new book, First Helpings. Deb and Amy will focus particularly on the history of table manners – what was considered appropriate behaviour and how ‘proper’ comportment was taught over time. They will also look at teaching children to cook – something which has happened in many different settings, including the home, the school and community groups such as the Scouts and Guides.

Book sales

You can buy copies of many of our speakers’ books from Fox Lane Books, a local independent bookseller and Festival partner. In some cases, author signed bookplates are available too.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Please ensure you use the correct email address as this is where your ticket will be sent. If you do not provide the correct address, you will not receive the acknowledgement email or ticket.

Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

York Explore Library, Museum Street, York, United Kingdom

Tickets

GBP 0.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in York

Polework at Askham Bryan College
Sat, 30 May at 09:00 am Polework at Askham Bryan College

Askham Bryan Equine Unit

2026 Annual Movable Conference- York
Sat, 30 May at 10:00 am 2026 Annual Movable Conference- York

The Milner York

England and York Before and After 1066
Sat, 30 May at 10:00 am England and York Before and After 1066

St Oswald's Church Hall, Main Street, Fulford

Approved Tutors Day - 30th May 2026
Sat, 30 May at 10:00 am Approved Tutors Day - 30th May 2026

Clifton Explore Centre - Library and Reading Cafe

The Exhale Gathering: Roots and Branches Breathwork Retreat
Sat, 30 May at 10:00 am The Exhale Gathering: Roots and Branches Breathwork Retreat

The Hawkhills

York Trans Pride @YorkPride
Sat, 30 May at 11:00 am York Trans Pride @YorkPride

Knavesmire Racecourse

The Wind in the Willows
Sat, 30 May at 11:00 am The Wind in the Willows

York Theatre Royal

Lancaster Fold Development Launch Event
Sat, 30 May at 11:00 am Lancaster Fold Development Launch Event

Lancaster Fold, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, YO51 9HT

The Power of Anxiety: How to ride the worry wave
Sat, 30 May at 11:00 am The Power of Anxiety: How to ride the worry wave

Tempest Anderson Hall,

Paint and Sip - Bob Ross Sunset | Plonkers Wine Bar
Sat, 30 May at 12:00 pm Paint and Sip - Bob Ross Sunset | Plonkers Wine Bar

Plonkers

The Final Chapters: Two writers on ageing and care
Sat, 30 May at 12:00 pm The Final Chapters: Two writers on ageing and care

York Explore Library

York is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore York Events