The Good School Food Awards were open to nurseries, pre-school, primary and secondary non-paying schools and individuals who work in these schools. The team of judges included Mary Berry, Joe Wicks and Greg James. LACA the School Food People chair Brad Pearce as well as Judith Gregory and Jeanette Orrey were involved as expert panel advisors.
Speaking at the launch of the Awards, Oliver said: “We need to show big love to the food educators, teachers and catering teams that work so hard 190 days a year to feed our kids and teach them about the joy of food.
“I truly believe schools are our secret weapon. From the food they serve to the cooking skills they teach kids, they lay the foundation for children’s health and wellbeing, as well as their academic success and future productivity. These awards are all about celebrating what is brilliant in our school and wider food systems.”
The Heart’s Kindness & Community Award went to Joyce Tanoh-Mensah from The Belsteads School in Chelmsford for creating freshly cooked school meals from around the world. The One Show’s Rising Star Award went to chef Mr Banham from Silver Springs Primary Academy in Stalybridge for encouraging the children to eat seasonal and sustainable food.
The Sun’s Catering Team Champions Award was given to Wyre Forest School in Kidderminster for providing a range of healthy, nutritious main courses and puddings each day. The School Leader Food Hero Award was won by headteacher Helena Honeybone from Town Field Primary School in Doncaster for her mission to ensure that every child in the school is fed properly.
The Sustainability Star Award went to Prospect House Specialist Support Primary School in Manchester for introducing more plant-based alternatives. The Early Years Award was won by Prestonfield Nursery in Edinburgh for inviting families into the nursery for cooking lessons.
The Youth Activist of the Year named Saffron from Portsmouth as the winner. Her personal experience means she talks passionately about food poverty stigma and barriers to accessing an affordable, healthy diet. The Food Educator of the Year was won by Jackie Dean from Carshalton Boys Sports College for introducing the students to delicious new foods from around the world.
Rob Percival, head of food policy at Soil Association and one of the judges, commented: “We salute each and every school which entered this year’s Good School Food Awards. There is so much care, excellence and innovation taking place around food in schools around the country, it’s heartening to see pupils, cooks, caterers, governors and teachers coming together around a commitment to healthy eating and food education.”
For more information on the eight winners, visit here.