The project will last three years and it aims to support healthier food environments in schools in a sustainable way, tackling increasing levels of childhood obesity.
Fay Cordingley, headteacher at St James Church of England Primary Academy, said: “Arming our children with the tools to enjoy a healthy and fruitful life is one of our main aims - we strive to highlight the benefits derived from cooking and eating fresh, healthy produce.”
Schools will benefit from food education in classrooms, lunch halls and the school garden from improving cutlery skills to understanding food miles.
Councillor David Brake, Medway Council’s portfolio holder covering Public Health, added: “I’m pleased that schools across Medway have already expressed an interest in the Food for Life project, bringing sustainability and healthy food together for the young people of Medway.
“The initiative supports our aspiration to become a child-friendly city, putting young people at the heart of everything we do. Not only can children enjoy nutritious meals from Food for Life Served Here, they can also learn how to grow their own healthy food - a valuable and sustainable lesson which can be shared at home with family.”