Nourish, School Food Matters’ flagship school food transformation programme, is set to launch in Hertfordshire in 2026, working with schools to improve the quality and culture of food throughout the school day for children and young people across the county.
Over the next three years, Nourish will work with 40 primary, secondary and SEND schools across Hertfordshire. The programme helps schools prioritise children’s nutrition, wellbeing and long-term health through lasting improvements to school food environments, from breakfast clubs and lunchtimes to after-school provision and food education in the classroom.
The expansion builds on more than five years of delivery in London, where Nourish has reached over 35,000 children and young people across 108 schools, strengthening school food provision throughout the school day.
Nourish comes at an important time for Hertfordshire. Government data shows 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 (Young People's Health & Wellbeing Survey 2024, National Child Measurement Programme 2024/25). Schools play a vital role in supporting children’s nutrition and wellbeing and Nourish helps them to create food environments that drive meaningful change.
Participating schools receive tailored support over three school terms to strengthen their food culture and create a positive food environment across the whole school day. Students, staff and families are involved throughout the process, helping schools build long-term changes that reflect their communities.
Georgie Branch, Nourish Programme Manager at School Food Matters, said:
“We’re delighted to be bringing Nourish to Hertfordshire. 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, Chefs in Schools will support school kitchen teams through its Chef Educator Programme and provide intensive support to a smaller number of schools through its School Transformation Programme.
Evaluation of the programme will be led by the University of Hertfordshire, ensuring local insight and the voices of children, young people and families help shape delivery and learning.
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 is funded through the Department of Health and Social Care’s Public Health Grant.
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.
Find out more about our Nourish programme.
