Hillsborough Primary School and Meynell Primary school are are proud to celebrate their recent success in achieving the Bronze Food for Life Award, a milestone made possible through their collaboration with INOVA Multi-Academy Trust's central catering team.

The Food for Life Awards, established by the Soil Association, honour schools that demonstrate a commitment to healthy, sustainable food cultures. Schools are assessed across four key areas: 

Food Quality: Serving fresh, seasonal, and where possible, locally sourced meals. 

Food Education: Teaching  pupils about food origins, growing methods, and healthy eating habits. 

Food Culture: Creating enjoyable dining environments and engaging the whole school in food-related activities.

Community and Partnerships: Building links with local producers and farms to support learning and sustainability.

Sarah Doane, Catering Manager for INOVA Multi-Academy Trust, commented:

"This recognition is a testament to our shared commitment to promoting healthy eating, sustainability and positive food culture across our schools.

The impact of achieving the Bronze Food for Life Award goes far beyond improved meals - we've empowered pupils with lifelong knowledge about food, health, and the environment.

This accomplishment was made possible through the dedication of our staff, pupils, and community partners. Thank you to everyone who played a role in this success."
 

Highlights of the Schools' Achivements

  • Enhanced Meal Quality: The trust in-house catering team upgraded menus to include more vegetables, whole grains, and reduced sugar options - ensuring meals meet high nutritional standards.
  • Integrated Food Education: Pupils took part in growing vegetables in school gardens, learning about food origins, and cooking nutritious meals as part of the curriculum. 
  • Improved Dining Experience: Dining halls were redesigned to be more inviting, transforming lunchtimes into a social and enjoyable part of the school day. 
  • Community Engagement: Partnerships with local suppliers provided fresh produce, while visits to farms gave students hands-on learning experiences about food production.

This award marks an important step in the trust's broader mission to create healthier school environments. We now look ahead to achieving the Silver and Gold Food For Life Awards, with the goal of deepening pupils' understanding of food, health and sustainability.

Find out more about how INOVA Multi-Academy Trust can support your school.