JOE Wicks paid a visit to a Powys primary school earlier this month, presenting an award to a teacher for promoting healthy eating and physical activity among pupils and their families.
Jen Craven has been honoured in recognition of her innovative and impactful programmes for pupils and families at Ysgol Trefonnen in Llandrindod Wells, which highlights her outstanding contributions to tackling holiday hunger, encouraging vegetable consumption and fostering community engagement in nutrition and fitness.
Jen received a prestigious Joe Wicks 'Food for Fuel' award, a brand new award for the 2024 Jamie Oliver Good School Food Awards, from the man himself, who visited the spa town school on Friday, June 7.
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“I was surprised at school by a visit from Joe Wicks and presented with the award,” said Jen.
“The whole school managed to keep it a secret from me.”
Jen was announced as the winner of the award on the BBC’S One Show which aired on Thursday, June 20.
“I just love the work Jen has been doing, not just with the children and the school but the community and the parents,” said fitness coach and TV presenter Joe.
“She’s really helping to elevate the health and fitness of this school. It’s a really great example of what can be achieved when someone’s passionate and loves what they do.
“I’m really proud of her and hopefully lots of other schools are inspired by her work.”
Jen’s infectious energy knows no bounds and is helping make a real difference in her local community. She’s a creative force for good, making fresh, nutritious food accessible for everyone – all while making exercise fun.
Judges were impressed by Jen’s ‘Food & Fun’ club during the summer holidays, which provides children with free breakfasts and lunches alongside an hour of physical exercise daily.
During term time, Jen goes around every class at Ysgol Trefonnen encouraging kids to eat a balanced diet, and challenging them to try new fruit and veg with the ‘Eat Them to Defeat Them’ challenge.
She visits each classroom with a different vegetable each day, encouraging students to try it and rewarding them with stickers.
She also works closely with parents, hosting a four-week catering course where she teaches them how to make healthy meals. She even helped them earn a food and hygiene qualification.
Additionally, she established a ‘Community Fridge’ in a room attached to the school, which is accessible to everyone in the community.
Stocked with donations from local supermarkets and supplemented with fresh produce weekly, the fridge ensures fresh fruit and vegetables are available to all.
Encouraging physical activity is a key component of her programmes. She has organised community events such as a Colour Run and inflatable obstacle courses and started a ‘walking bus' to encourage children to walk to school.
She even created a school Quidditch team, blending fun with physical exercise.
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