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.
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.
Read about FEN's policy position here
What we've achieved so far:
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Membership engagement – 36 organisations, who delivered food education programmes to early years, primary, secondary and SEND children in over 8000 schools in SY 2024/25 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). We have contributed to the DfE Key Stage 4 performance measures and targeted RISE extension. Focusing on the need for food education to be a breadth slot 5&6 option. We have also contributed to the consultation on school food standards identifying the role that food education could play in helping to embed the school food standards and encouraging a whole school approach to food.
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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. We are developing an evidence-based policy framework and work plan.
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 organisations that deliver food education across multiple schools. We do not accept retailers or food companies, academic institutions, local authorities, schools, or individuals. The Food Education Network is part of the School Food Review. If your organisation would also like to join the School Food Review, please let us know in your application
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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.
If your organisation meets these criteria, please click here to apply.
Please note: all new members are subject to approval by existing members.
Members
Food Education Network members:
(Click on the logos below to access the websites)
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