Four schools from Bath & North East Somerset were presented with their Bronze Food for Life Partnership awards at a ceremony which took place on Wednesday 2nd October.
Folly Farm, Pensford hosted the celebration of the work done by the schools to transform their food culture by serving healthy, fresh meals and providing pupils with the opportunity to cook, grow and visit farms.
The Food for Life Partnership (FFLP) has been commissioned by Bath & North East Somerset Council since October 2012.
Judy Allies, Director of Public Health Award Coordinator at the Council, said: “FFLP works with many of our schools throughout the district. Our school meal uptake is increasing and many of our schools are using their own produce in the menus. The FFLP is a fantastic programme that enhances children’s experience of school and makes a difference, not only to healthy eating habits, but also to the emotional health and well-being of staff and pupils alike.”
At Three Ways School, Bath, pupils have been involved in designing the new school menu and are encouraged to suggest improvements for meals and the overall dining experience. The school also offers work experience in the school kitchen.
After the formal presentation, pupils, teachers and cooks enjoyed a freshly prepared, seasonal and locally sourced lunch, mixing with special guests Bruce Lawrence, Director of Public Health, Dine Romero, Cabinet Member for Early Years, Children & Youth and Simon Allen, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing.
The recently released government School Food Plan cites the success of the Food for Life Partnership in improving food quality and school meal uptake and linking schools to local farms is just one aspect of the FFLP Award scheme.
