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JAMIE OLIVER OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR GOOD SCHOOL FOOD AWARDS 2026
With Ella Toone, Dame Mary Berry and Dani Dyer among celebrity judges Jamie Oliver has officially opened nominations for the Good School Food Awards 2026 on ITV’s award-winning This Morning.
Now in its fourth successful year, Jamie’s Good School Food Awards continue to celebrate the brilliance and dedication of the unsung heroes who go the extra mile to make sure Britain’s school children are well nourished.
The awards have had a huge impact on winning schools, from driving school meal uptake to 98% to increasing demand for school places. Jamie is back this year to recognise the people transforming school food and food education across the UK, at a time when school meals have never been more important.
From September 2026, Free School Meals will be extended to all households in receipt of Universal Credit, benefiting over 500,000 additional children, alongside the national rollout of universal free school breakfasts. Working with previous winners, Jamie Oliver and his team are calling on the government to make sure that this brilliant expansion of school food is backed by updated and enforced school food standards - so that every meal served is genuinely nutritious, delicious and worthy of our children.
The awards recognise the people transforming school food and food education across the UK, from passionate chefs and inspiring teachers to visionary school leaders and community champions.
Celebrity Judges for 2026
This year’s Good School Food Awards will be judged by a high-profile panel from sport, entertainment and broadcasting, including Ella Toone, Dame Mary Berry, Dani Dyer, Joe Wicks,
Joe Swash, George Webster, Montell Douglas (Fire from Gladiators), Zack George (Steel from Gladiators), Big Has, Lina Nielsen, Sam Holland and rising stars Reon & Reme.
They join Jamie Oliver alongside an expert judging panel and a dedicated Youth Panel of primary and secondary school pupils, who will help shortlist nominees before the final winners are selected.
2026 Award Categories
Winners will be chosen across six categories:
1. This Morning’s Lifetime Achievement Award
Recognising a dedicated school food hero who has devoted their career to nourishing children.
2. School Chef Champions
Celebrating outstanding chefs and catering teams delivering delicious, nutritious food every day.
3. Food Educator of the Year
Honouring inspiring teachers who equip young people with essential food and life skills.
4. Community and Kindness
Recognising individuals using food as a force for good in their school and wider community.
5. School Food Leader Award
Awarding leaders who put food at the heart of school culture and wellbeing.
6. Eat Well, Move Well with Joe Wicks
Celebrating champions of healthy eating and active lifestyles.
Judge Dani Dyer said: “I’m buzzing to be joining Jamie’s Good School Food Awards this year. It’s so important we shout about the people working away behind the scenes, making sure kids are eating well and actually learning how important good food is for them growing up.”
Reflecting on her school days, Dani added: “My favourite school memory has to be Christmas dinner with all my friends. It was always such a special day.”
And my favourite school meal has to be cake and custard – especially the chocolate one. You just can’t beat it!”
Jamie Oliver on the Awards
Jamie Oliver said:“Every year, these awards remind me just how many incredible people are changing children’s lives through food. From early breakfasts to after-school clubs, they’re creating spaces where kids feel cared for, energised and ready to learn.
I’m so excited to see who gets nominated this year, and I’m really proud that we can give these everyday heroes the recognition they deserve. Great school food isn't ‘nice to have’, it’s essential, and these awards celebrate the people making it happen.”
Supporting Britain’s School Food Heroes
Britain has the oldest school meal system in the world, dating back to 1906. Today, it employs a workforce larger than the Royal Navy and Air Force combined and serves nearly five million meals every day.
The Good School Food Awards shine a spotlight on the people keeping this vital system thriving.
How to Nominate
Nominations are now open! To nominate, visit: www.jamieoliver.com/schoolfoodawards.
Applications close on 12th March, after which nominees will be shortlisted by the judging panels.
Winners will be announced later this year on This Morning and across partner media. Wonde continues to support the awards as partner, helping to power the awards and connect with schools nationwide.
© 2024 Jamie Oliver Enterprises Ltd. Photographer: Richard Clatworthy
Credit: Jamie Oliver's Good School Food Awards (GSFA)