Ingredients into schools

As part of our education programme to build children’s confidence in cooking and nutrition, we launched an innovative initiative to provide free ingredients to schools.

In collaboration with the British Nutrition Foundation, this programme aims to empower students with practical cookery skills, overcoming budgetary constraints that often limit these activities.

So far, we’ve had over 2,500 students across England engage in hands-on cooking experiences.

The programme provides essential ingredients, such as British pork, beef, flour and dairy products, enabling schools to offer practical food lessons that many would otherwise struggle to afford.

With support from Lidl, UK Flour Millers and school caterers Elior and Hutchison Catering, alongside their suppliers Bidfood and Turner Price, the initiative was implemented through three mini pilots, each focusing on different ingredients over separate fortnights.

Both teachers and students embraced the initiative.

The teacher survey showed that 100% of students were inspired to cook with dairy, flour and beef again and 67% with pork.

Overall:

• 94% of teachers agreed that the programme increased students’ skills and confidence
• 90% agreed that it improved their cooking knowledge
• 67% reported a positive impact on students’ understanding of healthy eating

The pilot project reached 15 schools, with several engaging in more than one activity.

The goal is to expand the initiative to more schools, continuing collaboration with partners to support its growth.

This initiative represents a significant step towards supporting practical food education in schools, removing barriers and inspiring young people to cook with quality ingredients produced by UK farmers.

The gratitude and enthusiasm from teachers, students and parents alike highlight the project’s success and potential for future growth.