Leading school food transformation programme launches in Cumberland

Nourish, a groundbreaking school food transformation programme, is set to launch in Cumberland in 2026, working with schools to improve the quality and culture of food throughout the school day for children and young people across the area. 

Developed by charity School Food Matters and delivered by Cumberland Council school food team, Nourish will bring a two-year programme of school food transformation to Cumberland, starting in ten primary, secondary and SEND schools. 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. 

The programme comes at an important time for Cumberland. Over 25% of reception age children in the area are considered overweight or living with obesity, rising to nearly 37% in year six (Office for Health Improvement and Disparities, 2025), whilst almost 30% of Cumberland's children live in relative poverty (End Child Poverty, 2024). Schools play a vital role in supporting children’s nutrition and wellbeing. Nourish works alongside schools to strengthen food culture and embed meaningful change. 

Over three school terms, schools receive tailored guidance to create a positive food environment across the entire school day, including at breakfast clubs, lunchtimes and after-school programmes, as well as through food education in the classroom. Students, staff and families are involved throughout, helping schools build lasting change that reflects their community. 

Georgie Branch, Nourish Programme Manager at School Food Matters, said:  

“We’re delighted to be bringing Nourish to Cumberland. 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.” 

The introduction of Nourish in Cumberland forms part of the Food Cumberland Strategic Framework which sets out a clear ambition to ensure that everyone in Cumberland has access to good food. Underpinned by the council’s Right to Food commitment, the framework recognises food as central to tackling health inequalities, improving wellbeing and building a more sustainable local food system. By supporting schools to build positive food cultures, embed food education and promote access to nutritious, sustainable options, Nourish contributes directly to this shared vision of a healthier and more equitable future for children and families across the area. 

Cllr Justin McDermott, Cumberland Councillor and Portfolio Holder for Public Health and Communities, said:  

“Every child in Cumberland deserves access to good, nourishing food that helps them learn, grow and thrive. The launch of Nourish in Cumberland marks a major step forward in our commitment to improving children’s health and tackling the inequalities that hold too many families back.” 

Cumbrian pasta producers Northern Pasta Co. raised £1,000 through its Christmas sales to support School Food Matters’ work in Cumberland. Northern Pasta Co. will also contribute to the delivery of Nourish locally by funding free cookery sessions in selected schools, sharing the co-founders' passion for delicious, nourishing food with children across the area. 

Imogen Royall, co-founder of Northern Pasta, said: 

“Food businesses have a real opportunity to shape how children understand and relate to what they eat. We’re often people’s first connection to ingredients and cooking and that’s something we take seriously. For us, it’s about making food joyful and accessible – showing children where ingredients come from, getting hands-on and helping them discover how delicious simple, real food can be. If we can spark that curiosity and confidence early on, it can stay with them for life.” 

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

ENDS 

Notes to editors 

About Nourish 

Nourish (formerly Healthy Zones) supports schools to create a food environment that puts children and young people's nutrition first. Our evidence-based,  multi-component programme helps schools to develop action plans and policies to cover the food served across the whole school day. 

The Nourish team uses a whole school approach to food involving everyone across the school community to create lasting change. The team delivers fun and engaging nutrition education directly to children and young people, so they can develop a positive relationship with food for their future health and happiness. 

For more information on the Nourish programme, visit: www.schoolfoodmatters.org/projects/nourish   

About School Food Matters 

At School Food Matters we believe that school food can unlock a happier, healthier, more sustainable future for every child. We want a school food system that delivers for all children, so they can enjoy nutritious, delicious and sustainable school food and leave school with an informed and positive relationship with food. 

To achieve this, we campaign for a better school food system, bringing the voices of children, parents, and teachers to government policy, and deliver fully funded food education programmes in schools across the country.  

For more information on School Food Matters, visit: www.schoolfoodmatters.org  

Feel free to use any of these Nourish photos (please credit School Food Matters). 

For press enquiries, contact: press@schoolfoodmatters.org  

About Northern Pasta Co. 

Founded in 2022 by husband-and-wife team Imogen Royall and Matt Kenyon, Northern Pasta Co. crafts pasta using regeneratively grown British spelt, championing better farming and exceptional flavour. Produced at the brand’s solar-powered Pasta HQ in Cumbria using traditional bronze-die extrusion and slow drying techniques, the pasta is known for its distinctive texture and sauce-holding ability. What began on market stalls in the North of England has quickly grown into a nationally recognised brand, stocked by leading independents and major retailers, and championed by chefs and home cooks alike. With a focus on soil health, British provenance and joyful everyday cooking, Northern Pasta Co. is on a mission to bring better pasta - and better farming - to more tables across the UK. 

For more information on Northern Pasta Co., visit www.northernpasta.co.uk