My Story

The Adopt a School programme gives children the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to cook, choose and eat healthy, tasty, sustainable food. Through the taste and sensory and practical sessions, the children are encouraged to reconnect with food. Understanding the impact food has on health and the environment is key to tackling diet related illnesses and helping to create a sustainable food system.

Our vision is that every child learns about food in a holistic sense and has the confidence to eat well, be healthy and happy. Our programme helps children to develop healthy eating habits and encourages an enthusiasm and interest in food and cooking, as well as giving an insight into the hospitality industry.

Adopt a School relies on professional chefs and hospitality professionals volunteering their time to deliver the programme in schools. The chef typically delivers three sessions in a school year to one year group, ranging from taste and sensory to practical cookery, bread-making and front of house. While we reach some 17,000 children every year, there is no doubt that we need to reach more. But we can’t do this alone. With over 4.5 million primary school children in England, we need the industry to come together to make a greater difference.