Expert celeb judges include Dame Mary Berry, Prue Leith, Jermaine Jenas, Niamh McGrady, Jessica Ennis-Hill, and many more.
Jamie Oliver has officially opened nominations for the Good School Food Awards 2024 on BBC 1’s The One Show. Following the success of last year’s inaugural awards, the Good School Food Awards, sponsored by Tefal, celebrate catering teams, educators, campaigners and unsung heroes who go the extra mile to make sure Britain’s school children are well nourished.
A panel of 26 expert judges will shortlist the awards and a stellar line-up of celebrity judges will have the final say, joining Jamie to decide the winners across eight categories. A new category for 2024 is Joe Wicks’ Food for Fuel Award.
Jamie Oliver commented: “We launched the awards last year and the response was overwhelming. We had thousands of entries across the country but more importantly than that, the positive effect winning had on last year’s winners is what really made the difference.
“We wanted to show love and appreciation to the food educators, teachers and catering teams that work so hard 190 days a year to feed our kids and teach them about the joy of food. I truly believe schools are our secret weapon. From the food they serve to the cooking skills they teach kids, they lay the foundation for children’s health and wellbeing, as well as their academic success and future productivity. These awards are all about celebrating what is brilliant in our school and wider food systems and I am delighted to say the nominations are now open.
Dame Mary Berry said: “I’m delighted to be a judge for the second year of the Jamie Oliver Good School Food Awards. There was a fantastic response from schools and educators last year which proved just how important good school food and proper food education is. I am looking forward to finding this year’s deserving winner and seeing the dedication and commitment they make to their school and the children’s lives.”
Jermaine Jenas added: “I am delighted to be a judge on behalf of The One Show for the Good School Food Awards this year. As a dad of four kids and as an ex-footballer, I know how important nutritious and delicious food is and how it positively impacts energy and concentration. The One Show Rising Star Award will shine a light on the brilliant school caterers and teachers who go that extra mile, day in and day out, to feed Britain’s school kids with proper food.”
Starting in 1906, Britain has the oldest school meal system in the world. It now has a workforce larger than the Royal Navy and Air Force combined, serving nearly five million meals every day; that equates to about 41 meals per second.
Tefal is the headline sponsor of the awards as well as donating many prizes.
Christophe Leblan, managing director UK & Ireland, Tefal, said: “We’re delighted to be the lead sponsor of the Jamie Oliver Good Food School Awards . We know how important it is that children have access to healthy and nutritious school dinners so we are keen to take our 20 year partnership with Jamie that one step further in supporting and providing cookware products to the very worthy winners.”
