Manchester HQ’d Russell Hobbs, the leading small electrical appliance brand and creator of the world’s first electric kettle, has launched a nationwide schools campaign and competition as part of its charity partnership with Action Against Hunger, to raise awareness of global hunger and inspire children to “cook for good.”
The Plates for Change initiative, delivered in collaboration with We Are Futures and The National Schools Partnership (NSP) network, will see Key Stage 4–6 pupils (ages 7–11) learn about the impacts of hunger and why nutrition matters.
Alexandra Rutishauser-Perera, director of nutrition and health at Action Against Hunger, said: “Good nutrition is fundamental to a child’s ability to learn, grow and thrive. By helping pupils understand the realities of hunger and the part they can play in addressing it, this initiative builds knowledge that endures well beyond the classroom. Plates for Change offers a practical, engaging way to spark that awareness while strengthening children’s understanding of what good nutrition means for them and for communities around the world.”
Schools interested in taking part in Plates for Change can find out more and access the campaign’s suite of curriculum-aligned resources by registering through the NSP website. The resources include lesson plans, presentations, and activity worksheets designed to help teachers spark meaningful discussions both in the classroom and at home about the power of nutrition. The lessons will guide students through topics such as: how hunger affects people in the UK and worldwide, what healthy eating looks like in different countries and the impact nutrition has on sleep, learning, growth, energy, and emotions.
Registered primary schools will also be invited to take part in a nationwide competition to create their own ‘Plates for Change’. Students will use their creativity to design plates that tell a story about hunger, showcasing what they have learned in the classroom. Entries will be independently judged by a panel including representatives from Russell Hobbs and Action Against Hunger, as well as experts in food and drink, with schools competing for prizes worth up to £1,750 – all while raising awareness and inspiring action on this important issue.
Robyn Milner, global brand partnerships manager at Russell Hobbs parent Spectrum Brands, said: “Our Plates for Change campaign aims to kickstart conversations in classrooms and at home, helping children understand the link between nutrition and wellbeing. Russell Hobbs is proud to play a part in providing nutritional education inspiring creativity, and we look forward to seeing schools engage and share their designs.”
