Practical ideas for food and growing projects with schools and young people.
From cooking and gardening clubs to training, school-food initiatives and activity resources, find local examples and useful links to help you get started.
Projects for schools & young people
There is a huge range of creative work that can be undertaken with schools and young people around food, both within and outside of formal education. Below are project ideas with links to help you get started.
Practical education through cooking and growing clubs
Skool Beanz is an inspiring growing club for children and also offers training to others who want to start growing. See our growing resources below.
Project Food offers a range of cooking activities for children and families in South Somerset.
RHS school gardening training courses
Free online courses about the benefits of gardening in schools and the skills to get growing:
Getting Started with School Gardening
Basic Horticulture Skills for School Gardening
Planet-friendly Gardening
More ways to develop school food projects
Schools can participate in the Food for Life partnership, an awards scheme with a framework for schools on linking school meals with growing and cooking, farm visits and community engagement. It offers support to school staff who are creating school gardens and improving school meals, and farmers who want to host educational visits.
Support families to access affordable local veg by starting a food cooperative.
Improving local procurement for school meals, e.g. the Food Links project in Dorset.
Further information and resources on growing
These organisations offer ideas, training and practical resources for school gardens and growing projects with children and young people.
Somerset Gardens Trust
Small grants for school gardens are available annually.Future Gardeners
Information for growing with children, plus a regular forum and newsletter.Food4Families resource hub
Growing activities, guides and teaching resources.Growing Schools Teachers Resource Pack
Practical ideas and planning resources for food growing in schools.
Food growing activities with children and young people.
The additional resources below will help you with ideas for growing indoors and in small spaces.
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Last reviewed: August 2026
Information, courses and funding opportunities can change. Check directly with the organisation before planning a project or applying for support.