Education Scotland is seeking applications from across Scotland for its Food For Thought Education Fund. The fund provides financial support to develop food and health education in schools and early learning centres.

Now in its eleventh year, the Fund allows local authority primary and secondary schools and early learning and childcare (ELC) settings to apply for grants of up to £3000. This includes private ELC centres that are in partnership with their local authority. Additional Support Needs establishments in the independent sector can also apply.

Establishments may apply individually or as part of a cluster of schools from their education authority.

Education Scotland is looking for applications that:

• ensure learners understand food and nutrition
• help learners apply their knowledge and skills in a progressive way
• relate projects to the world of work
• improve outcomes for learners

Gillian Hamilton, Chief Executive of Education Scotland said:

“The Food For Thought Education Fund aims to support progressive, high quality learning experiences in food and health, allowing learners to develop their knowledge and skills. It also provides the opportunity to plan and implement learning which builds sustainability and capacity for future development.

“Over the years Food For Thought has funded lots of exciting projects across Scotland from creating edible gardens and setting up cooking areas to offering hospitality to the community. We are delighted that Food For Thought is returning for its eleventh year and we can’t wait to receive lots more applications for innovative and sustainable food education projects.”

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said:

“Education is fundamental to our aim of being a Good Food Nation, where people from every walk of life take pride and pleasure in, and benefit from, the food they produce, buy, cook, serve, and eat each day.

“Learning about our food system and how to prepare nutritious meals can help to give our children and young people the foundation for a healthy life. The projects supported by the Food for Thought Fund can teach pupils skills that will be with them forever.

“Everyone should have access to healthy, nutritious food and there are so many ways to help young people engage with the food system, whether through growing their own vegetables, being taught kitchen skills, or providing food to their communities. I would encourage any schools or nurseries that have an interest in developing a project to apply for this incredible programme.” 

You can find out more about what we are looking for this year, previous Food for Thought projects, details on how to apply and more on the Food for Thought Education Fund page.

Applications will close at midday on Thursday 27 June 2024.