School food improvement programme for Cumberland

School food improvement programme Nourish is set to launch in Cumberland in 2026, working with schools to improve the quality and culture of food throughout the school day.
 
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.” 
 
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.