Reframing Food Education at Hackney School of Food: A TastEd Experience
- emma23401
- Jun 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 24
Emma Cantillion - Schools Food Web Lead
On 10th June, I had the privilege of attending “Reframing Food Education: Exploring Approaches to Enhance Child Well-being,” hosted by TastEd at the inspirational Hackney School of Food. The day brought together educators, campaigners, chefs, and advocates committed to reshaping how food is taught and experienced in schools.
Having spent the past year leading the Shropshire Good Food Partnership’s Schools Food Web project, funded by the Let’s Go Zero – Zero Carbon Fund, I’ve come to believe something quite simple: if we get food sorted, everything else follows.
From the very first moments of arrival and networking, it was clear that this wasn’t going to be your average education event. The warmth of the venue, the seasonal food being prepared, and the buzz of passionate conversation all set the tone for something thoughtful, practical, and hopeful.
The afternoon opened with reflections from food writer and advocate Anna Jones, who reminded us that food education isn't a ‘nice-to-have’—it’s a foundation for wellbeing, learning, and social equity. Her words framed the day with the importance and urgency food education deserves.
This was followed by a panel discussion chaired by Zoe McIntyre from Hackney School of Food. Under the title “Unlocking the Power of Food Education in Schools,” we heard from Marc Thompson (Mandeville Primary), Marjon Willers (Islington Local Authority), Bruno Roth (Millfields Community School), and Dan Parker (Food Education Network & Veg Power). Their insights painted a rich and sometimes challenging picture of the food education landscape—highlighting the importance of embedding food across the curriculum and connecting with communities at every level.
One clear message emerged: food is foundational. It’s not just about what children eat—it’s how they experience food, where it comes from, and what it means in their wider lives. When we prioritise food education, we empower children to thrive physically, emotionally, academically, and socially. I’m happy to shout this from the rooftop and write it on any post-it note if it helps get the message across.
The workshops that followed brought these ideas to life. We split into small groups to explore three key themes:
Sensory Food Education & Sustainability: how children connect with food through taste, smell, and story.
Real Food Skills Every Child Needs: a practical look at food prep, confidence in the kitchen, and why these skills matter.
Food Education Outside the Classroom: brilliant ideas for engaging young people through gardens, farms, and nature-based learning.
Each session was hands-on, open, and rooted in real experience. They reminded me how much power there is in simply allowing children to explore food with curiosity and confidence.
The event ended, appropriately, with more conversation and a seasonal meal prepared by the ever-inspiring Tom Walker and the Hackney School of Food team. We shared it around long tables that encouraged connections between people who care deeply about food and the role it plays in shaping healthier futures.
This event was a powerful reminder that food education is about so much more than nutrients or recipes. It’s about joy, community, sustainability, culture, and justice. It’s about building a better world, one delicious bite at a time.
Thank you to everyone at TastEd and Hackney School of Food for hosting such a thoughtful and energising event.
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