Food Matters designed an in-cell learning tool so that those serving a custodial sentence can learn how food and nutrition supports their physical and mental health.

Food is important for mental health. Studies demonstrate that people with anxiety and depression who improve their diets, show a reduction in their symptoms. This in-cell learning programme is a positive option for the more hard-to-reach individuals who would not normally engage with education services.

What We Did

We have launched a distant learning programme for those serving a custodial sentence in the UK. This in-cell course consists of six engaging, fun and participatory modules. We use written resources with activity sheets and associated prizes to encourage participation.

The Feel Good Food Club sessions are based on topics such as gut health, food and mood, commensality, substance misuse specific nutrition and cooking, dependent on the groups’ needs. Sessions encourage an appreciation of the role of food beyond its nutritional value – food affects our wellbeing through self-nurture, strengthening identity and self-esteem, and building and maintaining relationships.

The modules are designed by our trained nutritionists.  Due to it’s popularity, we expanded the content to run in-person sessions inside prisons.

This learning approach is a positive option for the more hard-to-reach individuals who would not normally engage with education services.

Food is important for mental health, a diet low in vitamins and minerals, can effect your mood, behaviour or cognitive function.

But it’s not just about what you eat, it’s also about how you eat. The psychosocial aspect of building relationships through sharing food. Social cooking and eating together has a positive effect on wellbeing. In the prison environment, cooking together and sharing a meal has a positive influence on health and wellbeing and in developing a pro-social identity.

“I have learnt so much and not feeling like I was in a lesson was brilliant. Thank you!” ~ Course Participant

Get In Touch

Reach out to the Food Matters team to find out more about what we do, get involved or to collaborate with us on a future project at [email protected]

Get In Touch

Reach out to the Food Matters team to find out more about what we do, get involved or to collaborate with us on a future project.

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