IMPACT
From Food Anxiety to Loving Lunch
At Stoke Climsland Primary School in Cornwall, Sam* is eating lunch. Two days in a row, then three, then every day. For a child with severe food anxiety who’d never eaten a school meal before, this isn’t small progress – it’s transformation.
Sam isn’t alone. Several children at Stoke Climsland with diagnosed autism and severe food anxiety are now coming into the dining hall and trying new foods. Not because anyone forced them to. Because we changed how the environment feels.
Our senior chef trainer Nerissa worked with head chef Jess and the team to transform more than just the menu. They slowed service down. Reduced choices on the counter so children weren’t overwhelmed. Made the dining hall quieter and calmer. Switched from trays to plates. Added a salad bar where children could see and choose.
The school kitchen team were brilliant with the children from day one – they genuinely cared and wanted to make changes. We just helped them see what was possible.
Now the dining hall is calm and clean. Food waste is down. Children are trying vegetables. And Sam is eating lunch. That’s what transformation looks like.
*Name changed to protect privacy
“It’s been wonderful to see how our new approach to the lunchtime experience at Stoke Climsland has had such impact for our children, particularly some of our most vulnerable. Our partnership with the Chefs in Schools team is allowing us to develop a positive food culture in which all children enjoy a varied, nutritious menu, in an environment which promotes choice, conversation and low anxiety.”
– Ben Towe, Executive Headteacher