Healthy food on the menu for school pupils

Organised by the Soil Association, the Food for Life awards ceremony saw pupils and teachers share their secrets of bringing healthy food education to the heart of their schools and community.

The afternoon, held at Hebden Bridge Town Hall, recognised the schools going above and beyond the call of duty by serving healthy, freshly prepared meals, while providing pupils with the opportunity to cook, grow and visit farms. Special guests on the day included renowned performance poet Anneliese Emmans Dean and the Mayor of Calderdale, Lisa Lambert.

Cathy Greenaway, head teacher at Riverside Junior School, said: “We are very proud to receive our Food for Life silver award. This ensures out school lunches are freshly prepared using local and organic ingredients, which benefits our pupils, local economy and the four schools we cater for. A big thanks to all staff whose continuing hard work made this happen.”

Councillor Simon Young, Calderdale Council’s cabinet member for public health, wellbeing and engagement, said: “Food for Life offers free training to help schools improve their food culture, and it is a great way for children to learn more about healthy eating and where their food comes from.

“It’s fantastic that more than 60 per cent of Calderdale schools are now enrolled in the programme, and this celebration event is the opportunity to reward schools for their hard work in transforming food culture across Calderdale.”

Local programme manager, Leon Ballin, added: “These schools are an inspiration.”