Food for the Future

Food for the Future gives young people the skills, knowledge and experiences of food production systems to enable them to implement practical changes that reduce food waste and benefit individuals, communities and planet.

Food for the Future is an inter-disciplinary, hands-on learning experience delivered by The King’s Foundation at Dumfries House, East Ayrshire.

Developed in partnership with Jamie Oliver and Jimmy Doherty, the project is now in its fifth year and has been awarded the Anna Murray Award for Partnership Working at Lantra’s ALBA awards.

Students will gain a deep understanding of farming, foodproduction, cooking skills and food waste issues locally and globally. The programme focuses on sustainable, full-cycle solutions to foodwaste and security, highlighting their role in fighting climate change.

The programme

Now is a vital time for the environment, when limiting food waste can play a key role in reducing household carbon emissions. For each of us, the food we eat accounts for about 25 per cent of our greenhouse gas footprint.

Currently 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted every year around the globe — around a third of all food produced — and tackling food waste offers the opportunity to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by up to 10 per cent.

This educational programme has been designed to help pupils gain a greater understanding of how the food system works, how it impacts the environment and how to better champion sustainable practices. 

In a nutshell, the aim of the programme is to help combat food waste.

Through a series of experiential practice-based masterclasses, pupils will have the opportunity to learn from experts in farming, food production and cooking alongside developing skills in connected science-based activity. The pupils will explore the inner workings of farms, factories or community projects and have the chance to be mentored to realize their own ideas for solutions to the food waste problem ranging from local and community-based solutions, through to exploring how to improve to industry processes. They will also be given the opportunity to improve their skills and confidence in the kitchen with expertise provided by the Jamie Oliver Group.

On completion of the masterclasses, pupils will spend time implementing their newly-developed or improved skills and knowledge before presenting their challenge solutions to a panel of industry judges.

Fees and transportation

Places on the programme are free and there may be an opportunity for support to travel to and from the estate. Travel assistance is subject to eligibility and restrictions. Workshops run from 10am to 3pm and travel to the estate is approximately one hour from the centre of Glasgow or Dumfries, start and end times can potentially be adapted.

Attendance

Schools MUST appoint a key project lead as the main point of contact to coordinate the pupil cohort, attend all workshops, and embed the lessons back in school.

Schools must commit to attending all days most of which can be arranged to suit the school timetable, however, the Solutions Day (date TBC) will be set in advance by The King’s Foundation and will involve all four schools. The programme will launch early September 2026 and conclude early March 2027.

Cohort eligibility

The programme targets S3 pupils in groups of 12–14. Schools can choose pupils from any curriculum area but must commit to the full programme with the same group. This programme has been designed to include preparatory skills for pupils who will undertake National 5 exam qualifications in S4. Problem solving, critical thinking, an interest in sustainability, cooking, rural skills or sciences will be beneficial. The pupils will become advocates for change on completion of the programme within their school and wider
community.

Due to the interdisciplinary and project-based nature of Food for the Future, it is important that selected pupils demonstrate:

The ability to think critically and engage with new concepts
A willingness to undertake independent research and contribute ideas beyond structured sessions
Confidence to work collaboratively and communicate their thinking within a group setting
The capacity to participate in a full programme of activity, including off-site visits and a final presentation

The programme includes elements of discussion, problem-solving, and self-directed learning. Schools are therefore encouraged to select pupils who will benefit from and contribute to this style of learning, and who can remain engaged throughout the full duration of the programme.

How to apply

Fill in the application form stating your school’s name, lead teacher, number of pupils, lead subject or study area that the programme will sit under within the school and a short statement (200 words max.) outlining how the programme will benefit the pupils, wider school and local community. Closing date for applications is Friday 21st August 2026.

Work with us

If you are a food producer who can demonstrate best practice we would love to feature you on our resource pages. Please do contact us at dh.education@kings-foundation.org.