CARDIFF’S pioneering Food Hour Project has been honoured with the prestigious Nan Berger Memorial Award at the 2025 LACA Awards for Excellence, recognising its outstanding contribution to children’s health and wellbeing through food education.
Developed through a dynamic partnership between Education Catering at Cardiff Council, the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Dietetics Team, and Food Sense Wales, the Food Hour Project builds on the success of the award-winning Food and Fun holiday programme, now a nationwide initiative supported by Welsh Government.
The Food Hour pilot was implemented across six Cardiff primary schools, offering children a daily hour dedicated to food — encompassing nutritious meals, food education, and experiential learning. The initiative promotes the development of ‘Food Citizens’ by embedding nutritional health messages and leveraging resources from local food partnerships including Veg Power and Size of Wales.
With the rollout of Universal Primary Free School Meals now complete across Wales, the Food Hour Project plays a vital role in increasing meal uptake. Through direct teaching, after-school cooking clubs, and a whole-school approach driven by pupil voice, the project strengthens home-school engagement and encourages healthier eating habits.
Cardiff’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education Cllr Sarah Merry said: “This award is a testament to the power of collaboration and the commitment of Cardiff schools to nurturing healthier futures for our children.
“By making food a central part of the school day, we’re not just feeding pupils — we’re educating and empowering them.”
For more information, visit LACA unveils 2025 Awards for Excellence winners at Main Event | LACA, the school food people
