Celebrating 35 Years of Impact: The Adopt a School Trust Receives Renewed Funding
As the Adopt a School Trust (AAS) marks its 35th anniversary, the organization is delighted to announce the renewal of funding from The Savoy Educational Trust. This generous support will empower AAS to continue its vital mission of providing food education to schoolchildren across the United Kingdom. Having been a steadfast partner for nearly three decades, The Savoy Educational Trust’s ongoing commitment underscores the significance of AAS’s work and its positive impact on youth education.
Established by The Royal Academy of Culinary Arts (RACA) as an independent charity, AAS has garnered extensive support from both the culinary industry and RACA members. The Adopt a School programme is designed to ignite children’s passion for food, cooking, and the hospitality sector, while emphasizing the importance of understanding food provenance.
The programme is delivered through engaging, hands-on sessions led by professional chefs who share their expertise and enthusiasm, enriching the cooking and nutrition curriculum. AAS is particularly dedicated to reaching schools with a significant percentage of students from disadvantaged backgrounds, where health disparities and limited opportunities often prevail. By focusing on these underserved communities, AAS aims to address these challenges and provide students with access to new opportunities through food education.
During the 2023-24 academic year, AAS’s regional chef team, along with a brigade of dedicated volunteer chefs, facilitated over 20,000 child-sessions of food education. The programme not only occurs in primary schools but also extends to various settings, including hospitals, Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools, youth clubs, and farms through innovative initiatives like Chef on the Farm visits. Furthermore, AAS supports secondary school students through specialized masterclasses and mentoring for industry competitions, such as FutureChef.
Gemma Hopwood, Programme Manager at The Adopt a School Trust, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the renewed funding: “We are thrilled to receive continued support from The Savoy Educational Trust. Celebrating our 35th anniversary, this three-year commitment emphasizes the critical role that food education plays in the lives of young people. This funding allows us to equip children with essential cooking skills and knowledge to make informed dietary choices, while also introducing them to the vibrant world of hospitality. We are proud to collaborate with The Savoy Educational Trust to create a meaningful difference, laying the groundwork for healthier, sustainable lifestyles and cultivating a passion for food and the hospitality industry.”
Angela Maher FIH, Chief Executive of The Savoy Educational Trust, added: “The Savoy Educational Trust is committed to supporting initiatives that enhance education and skills within the hospitality sector. The impactful work AAS has achieved over the past 35 years has significantly influenced children’s lives, fostering healthier relationships with food, educating them about food origins, and instilling essential life skills. We are proud to continue our support for the Adopt a School programme as it empowers young people and creates lasting, positive change.”
To learn more about The Adopt a School Trust and its initiatives, please visit here.
