The annual five-course dinner took place at the Belmond le Manoir Aux Quat’Saisons to celebrate and witness the impact of the Royal Academy of Culinary Art’s trust on the children it helps.
The Adopt a School Trust sends chefs and hospitality professionals into primary schools to help children to develop healthy eating habits and an enthusiasm and interest in food and cooking, nutrition, food, provenance and sustainability as well as the importance of eating together.
Sara Jayne Stanes OBE, chief executive of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts and Adopt a School, said: “Food education is key to giving young people the knowledge, practical skills and ability to be responsible for their wellbeing and to adopt a healthier lifestyle through informed choice. This is why programmes like Adopt a School are so important.”
Pupils from Chalgrove Primary School, whose school is adopted by chef Gary Jones as part of the Adopt a School programme, were invited into the kitchen to help prepare and serve canapés to guests upon their arrival.
Chef Thomas Marriage, who received Adopt a School sessions from Gary Jones when he was at Chalgrove primary school, was so inspired by the programme, he trained to become a chef and seven years later he is now a Commis Chef Apprentice at Le Manoir.
He said: “if it wasn’t for Adopt A School, I wouldn’t be here… I thank the programme for where I am now.”