David Latto - The Churchill Fellowship

Fellow's Profile

David Latto

How school food can reduce emissions and help us prepare for the climate crisis

Fellowship

Themes
Focus

Creating climate-friendly school canteens

Countries
Fellowship year

2026

Locality

South East

Biography

I am a head chef and food educator at Chisenhale Primary School in Tower Hamlets, East London, and part of the Chefs in Schools network. My background is in food, social and environmental projects. A few years ago, the school took their catering in-house, which means I control the menu and budget with support from the headteacher. As a result, I have the ability to improve the school food and a responsibility for the students’ health and education.

School food has historically been very poor in the UK but has been improving in recent years. The UK Government is currently consulting on the new school food standards. I want to explore the future of school food and how school canteens can become more resilient in the climate crisis. Food production is responsible for a large proportion of global greenhouse gas emissions. The school canteen offers an opportunity to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable and fair food system.

I will visit innovative school canteens in France, Spain and Japan, which focus on sustainability and nutrition. I will bring my learning into my own kitchen and support change in schools across the country.

Disclaimer

All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.

Disclaimer

All Reports are copyright © the author. The moral right of the author has been asserted. The views and opinions expressed by any Fellow are those of the Fellow and not of the Churchill Fellowship or its partners, which have no responsibility or liability for any part of them.

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