The Food for Life Partnership (backed by the Soil Association, the Focus on Food Health Education Trust, the Local Authority Caterers Association, Caroline Walker Trust and Sustain - so many it must be worthwhile!) is campaigning to the Government to transform the food culture of UK schools to address child obesity and climate change. By changing the eating habits of children and educating them on how to grow and prepare their own food we can contribute to an altogether more holistic generation of pupils. A healthier diet allows the brain to function more efficiently helping kids to concentrate better and for longer through the duration of the school day.

The partnership is pushing for the government to implement policies such as children to be involved in at least twelve hours of cooking lessons a year up to key stage 3 by 2011 and ‘every pupil to have direct experience of food growing and production, in school gardens and on farms, by 2011.'

Schools are encouraged to enroll with the Food for Life Partnership Award Scheme and join others in the network attempting to achieve Bronze, Silver and Gold Marks with marks reflecting how healthy the food and food culture is at a school.

A Gold mark requires school meals to be at least 75% freshly prepared 50% local and 30% organic. Parents and the wider community are actively involved in cooking and growing produce and 70% of students choose to eat school meals. Kids are also active in the growing process and have the opportunity to contribute to a local farm.

Though the bar seems quite high, the gold mark is an ideal most parents, teachers and pupils would be proud to reach.

To enroll your school, visit the Food For Life website.