Children at Avanti schools are learning to explore food with all five senses.

Govindas’ Food Sensory Workshop programme is designed for children from Reception through to Year 5, offering children a safe, age-appropriate space to explore food, develop curiosity, and overcome hesitation toward new tastes.

According to UK School Food Standards, fruit and vegetables should be available to children daily and free of charge. Yet, many pupils, particularly those from diverse cultural, ethnic, or family backgrounds; may arrive at school with different eating habits and levels of familiarity with certain foods. As part of our catering team鈥檚 mission to provide hot, nutritionally balanced meals, Govinda鈥檚 recognised that school plays a vital role in levelling this gap, providing the environment where every child has the same opportunity to fuel themselves with nutritious foods.

Through sensory education, Govinda鈥檚 is helping children take that first step to move from 鈥淚 don鈥檛 know this food鈥� to 鈥淚 want to try it.鈥�

In a non-pressured, playful environment, children are invited to explore the colours of fruit and vegetables, the smell, the sound of the crunch, feel the textures, and finally, taste them.

Ishika Bhasin, is a registered Associate Nutritionist with Association for Nutrition (AfN) and holds a Masters degree with distinction in Nutrition, Health and Wellbeing. She has been working with Avanti schools and families to motivate and encourage children to build healthier habits both at school and at home.

鈥淎s a nutritionist, I see it as my duty to encourage children to embrace the foods that truly nourish them rather than relying on meals and snacks that are high in salt, sugar, or highly processed ingredients. The idea of eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, and of course drinking more water, comes from the very basics of human existence. Our bodies are made up of around 80% water, and every organ needs the right fuel to work properly. For children, whose bodies and brains are still developing, this fuel becomes even more important; nourishing foods help them to stay active, attentive, and full of energy for both their learning and their beloved play time.鈥�

鈥淚 am deeply passionate about inspiring children to discover how small bites of different flavours, colours, and textures can make them feel more energetic and joyful. And when children connect food with play, curiosity, and fun, they become more open to trying the very foods that help them thrive. Scientific research also shows that a colourful, plant-rich diet reduces the risk of chronic disease, supports longevity, and improves wellbeing across the lifespan. Superfoods such as berries, leafy greens, seeds, avocado, whole grains, beans, cruciferous vegetables, olive oil, tomatoes, and spices are nature鈥檚 gifts, linked not only with longer life, but also with better quality of life.鈥�

The results have been heartwarming. Removing pressure and making food discovery fun creates positive associations that last far beyond the classroom.

Children are now interacting with foods with delight. Those who once refused tomatoes or apples have begun trying them at lunchtime or during their breaks. Improved eating habits have extended into the home, with parents often reporting that their children ask for or try new foods after sessions.

鈥淎t the heart of this initiative lies a simple philosophy: food is more than fuel. It is a gift of nature, to be appreciated, respected, and enjoyed鈥�, says Ishika. 鈥淲e want children to recognise the beauty in a bright carrot, the fragrance of fresh herbs, the crunch of a sugar snap pea, and to connect these small daily moments of eating with gratitude.

鈥淕ovindas’ Food Sensory Workshops are just one part of a larger vision 鈥� to help children build a positive, lifelong relationship with food. By bringing play, senses, and curiosity into the picture, we are laying the foundations for healthier choices today and healthier generations tomorrow.鈥�