21 October 2026
Young people in Lancashire will have the opportunity to explore the connections between food, sustainability, justice and equity through a new pilot programme provided by the Soil Association Food Team and funded by Earthsong Foundation.
The Earthsong Young Changemaker’s Pilot has been designed to help young people from Year 6 and above develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed food choices, while gaining a deeper understanding of food systems.
Research and practical experience consistently show that healthy eating habits can decline during teenage years. The project aims to address that challenge by equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make healthier food choices before those habits become established. By fostering positive attitudes towards healthy eating at this critical stage, the project aims to support lifelong wellbeing and resilience.
Every young person deserves the opportunity to understand the power of good food. For young people, healthy eating is an investment in their future, supporting physical growth, mental wellbeing, concentration, confidence, and long-term health.
This project gives young people the opportunity to take action on issues that matter to them. By empowering them to shape solutions to local food challenges, we’re supporting the next generation to develop lifelong healthy habits while driving positive change in their communities
Young people from Stanleys Youth Centre and West End Primary School will work alongside the Soil Association Food team to establish a Food Heroes Group. Through a series of engaging activities, the participants will explore:
The participants will then use their newfound knowledge of their food systems to host an event that is designed to meet the needs of their local communities.
Alongside youth engagement activities, staff at both settings will receive tailored in-person training designed to strengthen confidence and skills in growing and cooking food. The training will support the delivery of existing activities and create new opportunities for young people to learn through hands-on experiences.
By combining food education, practical skills and community action, the Young Food Changemakers Pilot aims to empower young people to become active contributors to healthier, more sustainable food systems in Lancashire.