To ask the Minister of Education to detail any initiatives that will be introduced in schools to promote the objectives of the Food Action Plan, particularly in relation to (i) healthy eating; and (ii) environmental sustainability.

As an action within the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework Action Plan and under the joint Department of Education and Department of Health Food in Schools Policy, a food theme week for primary schools has been developed in partnership by the Education Authority (EA) and the Regional Food in Schools Coordinator.

‘Eat Smart with the Lunch Bunch’ will run from 29 September 2025 to 3 October 2025 and aims to promote key, evidence-based healthy eating messages, inspire children to explore new foods and make positive choices at lunchtime. Each weekday has been structured around a principal food group from the Eatwell Guide, culminating in a food sustainability focus. EA Catering teams will serve a themed menu and daily taster samples in dining spaces vibrantly decorated to encourage pupil engagement and participation.

To foster a whole-school approach, a suite of daily activity worksheets has been developed for classroom integration to help reinforce and amplify key messages and learning. Additionally, schools will receive digital recipe books for sharing with parents to inspire continuation of healthy choices in the home environment.

Food sustainability will be a key aspect of this initiative with support materials exploring “Where does my food come from?” and one of the days within the theme week will focus on food wastage and how leftover food can used in different ways.

Over 500 primary schools are due to participate in this initiative. A subsequent evaluation with key stakeholders will inform an assessment of the impact and shape future planning.