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The five-year programme is effecting positive change in primary, secondary and special schools across the city, encouraging children to ‘eat smart’. As a result of this work, 70% of children in Sheffield have access to Food for Life Served Here certified meals.  

This means nearly 20,000 meals a day are provided in Sheffield that are guaranteed to meet School Food Standards, as well as a comprehensive set of accredited requirements to support physical and mental health, and environmental sustainability. 

Jessica Wilson, health improvement principal at Sheffield City Council, said: “Sheffield City Council are committed to promoting food that supports our health, supports our local economy and that doesn't harm our planet. The partnership with Eat Smart Sheffield and Food for Life is hugely beneficial as it helps schools to do exactly this.”

The Food for Life Programme supports schools to communicate the value of a healthy, hot school lunch and help ensure families access them, particularly during these challenging times.  

Over 50 of the 80 schools have enrolled for the Food for Life School Award, evidencing their will to embed a Whole School Approach to food and nutrition. Nine of these schools have already achieved their Food for Life bronze award, with one school Lowedges Junior Academy becoming the first in Sheffield to reach silver.

Deborah Brebner, school food service at Sheffield City Council, added: “It’s been great working with Eat Smart Sheffield over the last few years and to see the drive, determination and passion to engage with schools in many areas of the city and particularly in relation to the Food for Life programme.”