Developed by charity School Food Matters and delivered by Cumberland Council school food team, Nourish will bring a two-year programme of school food transformation to Cumberland, starting in ten primary, secondary and SEND schools.
The programme supports schools to create food environments that prioritise children’s nutrition, wellbeing and long-term health. The expansion follows more than five years of delivery in London, where Nourish has reached over 35,000 children and young people in 108 schools.
Over 25% of local reception age children in the area are considered overweight or living with obesity, rising to nearly 37% in year six, whilst almost 30% of Cumberland’s children live in relative poverty.
Over three school terms, schools receive tailored guidance to create a positive food environment across the entire school day, including at breakfast clubs, lunchtimes and after-school programmes. Students, staff and families are involved throughout, helping schools build lasting change that reflects their community.
Georgie Branch, Nourish programme manager at School Food Matters, said: “Over the past five years in London, we’ve seen how improving school food environments can make a real difference to children’s wellbeing and their relationship with food. This expansion allows us to build on that experience, working with schools and local partners to create food cultures that support all children to thrive.”
Northern Pasta Co. will contribute to the delivery of Nourish locally by funding free cookery sessions in selected schools, sharing the co-founders' passion for delicious, nourishing food with children across the area.
Imogen Royall, co-founder of Northern Pasta, added: “Food businesses have a real opportunity to shape how children understand and relate to what they eat. We’re often people’s first connection to ingredients and cooking and that’s something we take seriously.
“For us, it’s about making food joyful and accessible – showing children where ingredients come from, getting hands-on and helping them discover how delicious simple, real food can be. If we can spark that curiosity and confidence early on, it can stay with them for life.”