Cooking the Future: Empowering Students through Food Education

This year has been a remarkable journey for us as we welcomed 14 diverse schools into our program. Together, we prepared 828 meals that not only nourished bodies but also fostered well-being and connection. It's incredible to think that we reached over 6,000 participants with our fully funded places, providing students with the invaluable opportunity to master essential cooking skills, embrace sustainable eating practices, and explore the principles of functional nutrition. These experiences are not just educational; they form a practical foundation for healthier lifestyles and overall well-being.  

"I've picked up so many new things, and I'm really thankful for the chance to come here and learn about different foods."  

"I've learned a ton of new skills!"  

We were truly inspired by the creativity and enthusiasm of the participants as they dived into the culinary world. Watching them learn to make a variety of dishes and become comfortable with different kitchen tools was a joy. Each cooking session was filled with laughter and camaraderie, as students navigated the challenges of cooking together. Their eagerness to experiment and try new things created an uplifting atmosphere that was contagious. 

“I'm really going to miss these sessions, I've learnt such a lot of new skills.” 

“This was a completely great thing to do, I think everyone should get the chance to come here; I feel really lucky.” 

What really stood out this year was how the students began to see the deeper social significance of food. They developed a greater appreciation for communal dining and the joy that comes from sharing meals. Encouraging them to explore innovative ingredients and bold flavours truly ignited their creativity in the kitchen. We also emphasised understanding nutritional values, and it was empowering to witness students making informed decisions about their diets and lifestyles. 

"My parents would not believe I am eating this,…, it has so many vegetables, it has lots of different flavours,…, I only really eat plain things at home and not much veg."  

Feedback from students has been nothing short of transformative. Many reported a renewed passion for cooking, with an impressive 18.1% increase in their self-perceived knowledge of healthy eating. It was heartwarming to see so many students feeling empowered to tackle new recipes and techniques at home, leading to a remarkable 28.5% boost in their self-perceived cooking skills. 

"I’ve really enjoyed trying out new flavours, especially since I found out I actually like lentils."  

"Overall, this whole experience has been great, and I'm really impressed with how we can use the different ingredients to be creative"  

At The School of Artisan Food, students took immense pride in the dishes they crafted, showcasing their newfound talents and creativity. The access to engaging cook-along videos allowed them to recreate their favourite meals in their own kitchens, reinforcing all the practical skills we developed together. Notably, we documented a 20.2% increase in knowledge about cooking on a budget, which is a valuable skill that many will carry forward. 

"This is amazing, I'm definitely going to cook more!"  

"I was really surprised by how sweet the butternut squash was. I'm usually hesitant to try new things, but I’ve tried quite a few today, and I actually like them! I have a restricted diet, but it seems I’ve discovered more foods that I enjoy!" 

The teachers accompanying the students have noted that the experience has lit a spark in many students, encouraging a lasting interest in cooking that extends beyond necessity. It’s been incredible to witness their creativity flourish and to see how deeply they appreciate the intricate and rewarding process of preparing food.

“All of the pupils were so well engaged and focused, testament to your adaptations and understanding of their needs so thank you!” 

Our RSHE (Relationships, Sex, and Health Education) resources have proven to be a valuable enhancement to the curriculum across ten secondary schools in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire regions. Feedback from educators and students alike indicates that these resources have been well-received, significantly enriching the educational experience. By integrating our materials, schools have successfully broadened their approach to food education, fostering a more comprehensive understanding of nutritional health, well-being, and lifestyle choices. This initiative has promoted a cohesive, school-wide strategy that not only enhances educational delivery but also supports students in developing informed, responsible behaviours around food and health-related issues. 

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Our project greatly benefited from the unwavering support of the staff from our participating schools and the dedicated efforts of the students. We are truly grateful for everyone’s contributions, which make our project possible. In the 2025-26 academic year, we are thrilled to welcome ten new schools into our partnership. We look forward to building more successful relationships with staff, teachers and students, extending our network of supportive food educators. Additionally, we will continue to support our current schools, ensuring that our legacy partnerships thrive as they continue on their food learning pathway.  

BFF Team.