The Rethink Food Eco Competition 2026 invites primary school students across the UK to share their ideas for protecting our planet and improving the way we think about food.
This competition encourages young people to rethink the way we interact with food, our environment, and sustainability, inspiring them to take action for a future of #HealthyPeopleHealthyPlanet.
Whether it’s reducing food waste, encouraging sustainable eating, growing food at school, or supporting food security in their community, we want to hear their ideas.
How the competition works
✔ Complete six interactive sessions – designed to educate and inspire your Eco Club or School Council about sustainability, food and the environment.
✔ Submit your big idea – If your school had £1,000 to spend, how would you make it more eco-friendly? Share your idea and explain how it could make a difference.
✔ Win £1,000! – The winning school will be announced on World Environment Day (5th June 2026) and will receive £1,000 to bring their eco idea to life.
We’re excited to launch our second Eco Competition following the incredible success of last year’s event.
Schools across the UK shared inspiring ideas and projects, proving that young people are powerful agents of change when it comes to sustainability and food education.
Last year’s winning school, St John’s CofE Primary School in Manchester, brought their project, “The Green Growing Garden” to life, helping transform outdoor spaces into thriving growing areas for pupils to learn about nature, food and sustainability.
“The funding has helped us create a new dedicated growing space for our children. Our Year 5 classes have been setting up raised beds as part of their ‘Sow and Grow’ topic, and we’ve also repaired existing outdoor areas so younger children can explore growth and change through the seasons.”
“We’ve even renovated an unused greenhouse so it can be used as an outdoor learning space and to grow seedlings ready for planting.”
“Our spring bulbs are starting to pop up and the children are excited to begin planting vegetables when the weather warms up.”
Their project showed how small ideas can grow into something truly meaningful for a whole school community.
