Pool Academy pupils hear how food firms shape their choices

How do the biggest food companies get young shoppers to reach for the processed snack over the piece of fruit? Students at Pool Academy spent an assembly finding out, alongside a GP, a university lecturer and their local MP.

The school welcomed a group of experts for a special assembly looking at healthy eating, food production and the impact of modern diets. The speakers came from education, healthcare, sustainability and agriculture, and between them they set out how food is produced, marketed and consumed.

A line-up spanning farming, health and marketing

Lisa Dunne from LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming) talked to students about the link between farming and food production, helping them understand where their food comes from and why sustainable agriculture matters.

Dr Rhiannon Day-Thompson, a local GP working in public health, spoke about the effect of diet on health and wellbeing and raised concerns about ultra-processed foods. She used practical examples to show how the design of food can shape eating habits, including a comparison between fresh fruit and processed snacks.

Lucy Cokes, a lecturer from Falmouth University’s School of Communication, looked at how major food companies use marketing techniques to influence what people buy and eat.

Danielle Young, from Sustainable Food Cornwall, spoke about sustainable food systems and asked students to think carefully about how everyday food choices affect both their health and the environment.

Local MP Perran Moon also attended, meeting student Food Champions from across the school.

📷Perran Moon meets year 7 student food champions Ivy, Libby and Paige

‘A safe food environment, free from corporate interests’

Sharon Bright, who organised the event, said:

“It was a real pleasure to welcome a range of experts into school to speak with our students. The assembly was thought-provoking and extremely well received, with students asking some excellent questions throughout. Experiences like this help connect learning with real life and support students in making informed choices about their health and wellbeing.”

Rhiannon set out why she thinks schools have a part to play.

“I am passionate about helping people understand the concept that healthy eating isn’t just about optimising health, it’s about avoiding widespread food-related harm. Schools are a vital part of this movement towards valuing real food over ultra-processed food, and creating a safe food environment, free from corporate interests, where children can be nourished and thrive.”

Lisa, from LEAF, said:

“At LEAF we aim to spark curiosity and build confidence in the next generation. Through hands on, memorable experiences, they discover how their food is grown more sustainably, why the environment matters, and how they can take an active role in helping drive the systemic change needed for a more resilient global food system. We equip young people with the understanding to make informed choices. It is exciting to see Pool Academy leading the way through student ‘food champions’ to deliver a better understanding of food, health and wellbeing across the whole school community.”

Danielle, from Sustainable Food Cornwall, said:

“Young people deserve a real voice in conversations about school food and the choices available to them. It’s brilliant to see Pool Academy empowering their students by connecting them with experts who can inform and inspire. Through our work across Cornwall, we’re bringing young people together to discuss these issues to help them build the food literacy they need to become truly informed consumers and advocates for a healthier, more sustainable future.”

What comes next

The assembly formed part of ongoing tutor-time work with Year 8 and Year 9 students, encouraging discussion and awareness around healthy eating and wider lifestyle choices. It builds on Pool Academy’s wider work in the area, including its involvement in the national CanTeam x Bite Back Challenge.

Nick Ward, Principal at Pool Academy, said:

“Healthy eating is at the top of the agenda here at Pool Academy, and experiences like this play an important role in helping students understand the impact of food choices on their wellbeing. This was a fantastic opportunity for them to hear directly from a range of experts on such an important topic.”

The school is now planning to keep working with Sustainable Food Cornwall, including opportunities for students to take part in a youth forum representing each year group.

📷Pool Academy Food Champions with speakers at the healthy eating assembly.