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 2025 and conclude early March 2026.
Cohort eligibility
Food for the Future requires pupils to undertake theoretical work and self-led reflection as well as the hands- on, outdoor aspects of the programme, schools should therefore bear all contents of the project
in mind when selecting pupils to take part.
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 sustainablity, 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.
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: Friday 20th August 2025.
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.
Key links
Research and Partner Resources: Soil Association, Jamie Oliver, Jimmy Doherty, BITC.
Pick up hints and tips to reduce food waste here:
Other Food Education Resources:
Love Food Hate Waste Lesson Plan
World Wildlife – Food Waste Warrior Kit
Zero Waste Scotland Education Resource
National Geographic – Food Education
Food Standards Scotland Education Resources
Food a Fact For Life – School Education Resource
