Food Education Network
Shaping the future of food education in England
Food education is an essential component of a well-rounded education. It has the potential to improve health, promote sustainable food systems, support low-income households, foster cultural diversity and inspire a future generation of chefs, farmers and food lovers.
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The Food Education Network is an alliance of organisations and individuals committed to championing food education in England.
Our mission
We aim to do the following:
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Develop strong evidence supporting the importance of food education and promote its comprehensive benefits.
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Advocate for policy improvements and effective implementation, curriculum inclusion and government funding for food education from early years through to and including secondary education.
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Promote food education in the media, all types of schools including academies and special schools, early years settings and to stakeholders in food, nutrition, education, public health, sustainability and the wider public.
What we've achieved so far:
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Membership engagement – We have 31 organisations delivering food education programmes have joined the network.
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Consultations – Drawing on the extensive knowledge and experience of our members we contributed to the Department for Education’s (DfE) curriculum and assessment review calling for a Whole School Approach to food, food education as a standalone subject, and enhanced food education curriculum guidance and support for teachers. With input from our members we also contributed to the Department for Education’s consultation on Post 16 Level 3 and below Pathways. We stand ready to support the DfE re-drafting of the food education elements of the curriculum as recommended in Curriculum and Assessment Report (5 November 25).
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Strategic framework development – We have established clear Terms of Reference, articulated our policy position, and defined strategic objectives to guide our mission in transforming food education.  We have established 3 workstreams to drive our work forward: policy, comms and fundraising.
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We have appointed a Food Education Network Director – Caroline Harrison MBE, ANutr to drive forward our work. Caroline brings a wealth of experience from a 30-year career in the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and is committed to promoting healthy, sustainable food, which benefits humanity and the planet. Her skills and experience will support FEN to deliver on their objective of improving the food education system in England.
Thinking of joining the Food Education Network?
We bring together organisations to work collaboratively to champion food education in England. Membership is only open to organisation's that deliver food education across multiple schools. We do not accept retailers or food companies, academic institutions, local authorities, schools, or individuals.
Follow for latest news & updates
We welcome organisations which:
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Deliver food education programmes directly in schools and maintain an independent voice.
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Are committed to working in respectfully and constructively with other Network members and respect any parameters regarding sharing of confidential information.
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Align with the Network’s policy goals, including embedding food education in the national curriculum, securing sufficient government funding, and ensuring effective implementation.
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If your organisation meets these criteria, please click here to apply.
Please note all new members subject to approval by the Network’s Steering Committee.
Members
Current Food Education Network Steering Group members:
Food Education Network Special Advisors:
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Royal Academy of Culinary Arts
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School Food Matters (SFM)
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Soil Association
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The Country Trust
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The School of Artisan Food
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Veg Power.
Academic – Kim Smith, Centre for Food Policy, City St Georges, University of London
Consultant – Myles Bremner, Bremner & Co
Educator (Primary) – George Webber, The Elliot Foundation.
Educator (Secondary) – Natalie Bracegirdle, Senior Leader, Isle of Wight Education Federation.
Food Education Network Steering Group members:
Food Education Network members:
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