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The introduction of Nourish in Hertfordshire forms part of Hertfordshire County Council’s Public Health Prevention Investment Programme (PHIP), which is investing £2.9 million in initiatives that help people live well for longer. 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, helping to strengthen school food provision from breakfast to after-school clubs. 

Government findings show that nearly one in five children in Year 6 are living with obesity, and only 13% of children eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. School Food Matters believes that schools play a vital role in supporting children’s nutrition and wellbeing.

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.” 

Alongside Nourish, charity Chefs in Schools will deliver three cohorts of its Chef Educator Programme over the three-year project. It equips school kitchen teams with professional cooking skills, the latest techniques and up to date nutritional knowledge through a mix of in person and online sessions.

Nicole Pisani, chief innovation officer and co-founder of Chefs in Schools, added: “School chefs are the unsung heroes of children's food experiences, and we know that when they're properly supported and valued, they can transform what's on the plate every single day.

“We're thrilled to be working with school kitchen teams across Hertfordshire to elevate their practice and build their confidence to create food that children genuinely love. This partnership with School Food Matters will help ensure more children in the county have access to excellent school food that supports their health and happiness." 

In addition to Hertfordshire, Nourish has also been funded in Birmingham, Cumberland, Rural Lancashire and Cheshire West and Chester, supporting its continued expansion beyond London.