Chefs in Schools works to ‘transform’ child health through the power of great school meals and food education. The charity works hands on in school kitchens, offering in-depth training which ‘transforms’ the meals and food education on offer to pupils.
Dr Cooper steps into the new role as the charity accelerates its mission to train up thousands of chefs in the coming years. She is driven by an ambition for school food to be delicious and to have a positive impact on children’s health.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Cooper said: “It’s a great privilege to co-chair Chefs in Schools alongside Henry Dimbleby. I first came across the charity through the National Food Strategy when I ate a delicious lunch alongside pupils and teachers at a primary school in Hackney.
“Colourful plates, happy children, no waste. It always fills me with hope when I receive photos of the food our dedicated chefs are serving in schools across the country. Changing our food system is possible.”
To date, the charity’s work has reached over 100,000 children, laying the foundations for a life-long love of nourishing food. As well as providing high quality, impactful training in schools, the charity works with campaigners and Government to achieve lasting reforms.
Naomi Duncan, chief executive at Chefs in Schools, added: “We’re so pleased that Tamsin is taking on the role of co-chair to share advice and insights that will guide us as we continue to grow. Transforming food and food education in schools requires constant innovation and a solutions focussed approach and it is vitally important to get right. Every day in the dining hall is an opportunity to educate children about varied diets and a chance to ensure they have the fuel they need to learn.”