Food Cumberland

School Food

Nourish Schools Programme: Pilot in Cumberland

A good school food culture supports children’s health and wellbeing

The Food Cumberland Partnership is delighted to announce that, for the first time outside London, Cumberland will pilot the Nourish Programme run by School Food Matters. Building on successes in boroughs like Southwark, Lambeth and Westminster, this initiative will help our schools place pupils’ nutrition front and centre every day.

What Is Nourish?

Nourish supports schools to develop a healthy food culture through a whole-school approach. Participating schools receive:

  • A bespoke School Food Action Plan and policy
  • Hands-on training and workshops for staff, governors, parents and pupils
  • Sensory food sessions to engage students and gather their input on menus
  • Ongoing peer learning via termly network meetings with other Nourish schools

Why Cumberland?

By selecting Cumberland as the first pilot area outside London, School Food Matters and Food Cumberland aim to:

  • Embed healthy eating across curriculum, dining halls and school events
  • Foster local ownership - tailoring solutions to rural and urban school settings
  • Empower young people to become food ambassadors, shaping recipes and policies
  • Strengthen links between schools, caterers and community food partners

Get Involved

Is your school ready to transform its food culture? Contact us to register your interest:

Email: foodpartnership@cumberland.gov.uk 

Visit: schoolfoodmatters.org for more information.

School Food Resources

This page brings together the key guidance, support and tools schools need to deliver healthy, compliant and inspiring food provision across Cumberland.

Legal Responsibilities for Schools and Governors

Schools and their governing bodies must meet the statutory School Food Standards. The following Department for Education (DfE) resources explain your duties and offer practical tools:

Where to Find Help Locally

Cumberland Council offers a range of support for school food, from free school meals administration to holiday activities with food:

Whole-School Food Approach

Embedding healthy eating into your school’s culture delivers better outcomes for pupils and staff. Use these guides to create a supportive food environment:

Writing a Whole-School Food Policy

A clear policy sets expectations and drives consistency. Food – A Fact of Life provides a comprehensive template and supporting materials:

Buying for Schools

Access free procurement advice and specialist support to source high-quality, sustainable food:

Healthy Eating Resources for Schools and Families

Boost food education and healthy habits both in and out of the classroom:

Healthy Packed Lunches

Inspire parents and pupils with recipes, tips and lunchbox ideas:

School Food Improvement Schemes

Find out about national programmes which provide extra support, training and accreditation:

Growing Food at School and Early Years Settings

Hands-on growing brings food education to life. These organisations offer teaching resources, grants and project ideas: