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The Education Board aims to create a food positive message for young people at all stages of education and in society.

Bringing together foodservice, schools and the third sector, they hope to challenge the role of food in schools and lead the conversation on the ‘intrinsic’ link between nutrition and wellbeing. 

Deborah Homshaw, managing director of education and healthcare at CH&CO, said: “We’re challenging the status quo. For many years, society has, unintentionally, created bad relationships with food by focusing on negative messages. 

“State and independent schools have worked separately and the clear impact of food and nutrition on physical and mental wellbeing and academic and sporting performance has been, on the whole, ignored.  

“We’re turning this on its head. By bringing everyone together, we’re delivering positive messages around food, making it fun for our children and investing in practical solutions that put food and nutrition at the centre of conversations.”

The Education Board launched a ‘Nourishment & Beyond Conference’ to inform attendees from the education sector about the aims and aspirations of the project.  

In partnership with Westminster Kingsway College, food and nutrition courses will begin in September 2020 as part of The Education Board’s vision for students to learn about good food. 

The Education Board Chef Competition was also introduced and will see teams featuring students from each sector plus a mentor chef compete in their relevant age category.

John Pratten, chair of The Education Board, added: “It’s important that we address the primacy of nutrition on mental, as well as physical, wellbeing. 

“The impact of food and nutrition applies to us all, regardless of background, so it makes sense that all parts of the education sector should share their knowledge, skills and facilities to ensure young people are given the right information, in a fun and tangible way, so that they can embrace and enjoy nutritious food that fuels their wellbeing.”