In order to bring positive messages about food to the foreground, CH&CO has developed The Education Board, comprising of a range of experts from the state and independent education sectors.
The caterers launched the new initiative with a conference on the theme of ‘Nourishment and Beyond’, at Westminster Kingsway College on 28 February, which drew in influential speakers such as renowned chef Raymond Blanc OBE, who discussed the link between good food and sustainability.
The Education Board brings foodservice, independent schools, state schools and the third sector together, all with the belief that creating good relationships with food in young people through education will have a positive impact on their wellbeing, and on the planet.
It will serve as a platform to share knowledge, best practice and facilities relating to food, nutrition and sustainability – as well as championing career opportunities in the hospitality industry.
Deborah Homshaw, managing director education and healthcare at CH&CO, said: “For many years, society has, unintentionally, created bad relationships with food by focusing on negative messages, state and independent schools have worked separately and the clear impact of food and nutrition on physical and mental wellbeing and academic and sporting performance has been, on the whole, ignored.
For many years, society has, unintentionally, created bad relationships with food by focusing on negative messages
“We’re turning this on its head. By bringing everyone together, we’re delivering positive messages around food, making it fun for our children and investing in practical solutions that put food and nutrition at the centre of conversations. This is how we empower young people to make good choices today and into the future, and that’s the right thing to do.”
Some of the initiatives that will come out of the new board include food and nutrition courses delivered by CH&CO chefs for students across the education sectors, as well as a student chef competition.
Homshaw added: “I’m incredibly excited and proud of what we’ve created. As experts within foodservice we have a responsibility and the capability of forging really positive messaging, relationships and action with people within all the different parts of the education sector focusing on the powerful benefits of intrinsically nutritious food.”
The Education Board by CH&CO – who are they?
Board members include:
- Deborah Homshaw, managing director education and healthcare, CH&CO
- Amanda Ursell, consultant nutritionist, CH&CO
- John Pratten (chair), former bursar of Box Hill School and past chair of the ISBA
- Tim Baker, head teacher, Chartwell Manor Primary School
- Garry Ratcliffe, CEO, The Galaxy Trust
- Louisa Vicaria, HE programme area leader – culinary arts and culinary health and nutrition, Westminster Kingsway College
- Juliane Albrecht, head of patient support services, The Cleveland Clinic
For more information and to get involved with The Education Board by CH&CO contact Andrew Scott on 07917 601545 / andrew.scott@chandcogroup.com or Pete McKenna on 07392 125482 / peter.mckenna@chandcogroup.com
