Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver writes for T4 Education on the importance of healthy food in schools and invites nominations for British schools, individuals and organisations for his Good School Food Awards.
After campaigning for more than 20 years to improve school food, I decided to switch things up and launch the Good School Food Awards. These are all about showing love to the people, schools and organisations going above and beyond to serve our kids, the future of our country, delicious dinners.
We know that the standard of school food can fluctuate wildly, which means we know it can be brilliant. And with kids at school for 190 days each year, it’s really important they’re served the very best to nourish their bodies and minds. It’s only then that they can learn to the best of their ability.
After two years, we’ve already found some incredibly deserving winners, and we’ve seen:
- Restaurant-standard chefs using their expert knowledge to run school kitchens, serving up delicious food to arguably their toughest critics.
- Food educators teaching children how to grow their own food and cook it for themselves and their families – sometimes even without a kitchen to teach in.
- Teachers inspiring their SEND students through horticulture and hospitality, equipping them with skills they can then take into the workplace.
- School staff cooking family meals for kids to take home – so their families don’t have to make the decision of whether to turn on the oven or the lights.
One of the most powerful outcomes has been seeing so many people just wanting to offer something better to their kids – prioritising food, making it part of their school ethos, rather than simply serving up something to get children to the end of the day. And because of that they’re creating beautiful food and changing lives for the better every day.
These stories deserve to be told. And by sharing what good can look like, by shining a light on those who are smashing it, we can help create and empower change.
So, do you know a person, school or organisation doing amazing things in school food and food education? Or perhaps someone who deserves to win our new-for-2025 Lifetime Achievement Award?
Not only will winners receive a Golden Spoon trophy that they can proudly display, but they’ll also win some fantastic prizes, as well as lots of love on our website and social media platforms.
I know there are more stories out there that deserve to be told – you just need to get in touch!
What are you waiting for? Nominate them now!
