Designed to bring people together through food and shared experiences, the campaign saw our students, families, staff and local organisations get together to build stronger connections and create meaningful memories.

From school fields to city parks, academies across our Trust hosted their own unique Big Lunches.

Co-op Academy New Islington

More than 235 families attended a joyful Big Lunch hosted at the academy, organised by Academy Community Pioneer (ACP) Georgina Wild. Families enjoyed jacket potatoes and chilli which had been kindly donated by local restaurant Viet Shack. 

Thanks to sunny weather, the event moved outside with football, cricket and tennis games. Surplus food was then donated to a local homeless shelter, extending the community impact.

Co-op Academy Swinton & Co-op Academy Walkden

Held at Peel Park Pavilion, the Salford academies joined forces to host a community-wide celebration. The event was organised by ACP Susan Puckey who did an incredible job coordinating a wide range of local organisations, performances and activities to create a memorable day for all involved.

Guests enjoyed an incredible mix of food including noodles with chicken and beef, scones, cakes and sandwiches, as well as the chance to win one of several impressive raffle hampers filled with books, chocolates, craft ales, wine and even Manchester City memorabilia kindly donated by City in the Community.

Co-op Academy Hillside

Hillside combined its VE Day celebrations with The Big Lunch on 8 May, offering a fun-filled afternoon on the school field. Organised by ACP Brady Clayton, the event featured games, treats and activities which created a joyful family gathering.

Co-op Academy Bebington

On 8 June, Bebington hosted its Big Lunch on the school farm, organised by ACP Dionne Loughlin. Families got hands-on feeding goats and other animals, enjoyed refreshments donated by the Co-op Food Store on Teehey Lane, and took part in a raffle to support the school farm.

Co-op Academy Grange 

Year 7 students at Grange, in Bradford, combined their Time for Change project with The Big Lunch. They welcomed Police Community Support Officers, Co-op store colleagues, parents and carers to hear about their student-led initiatives aimed at improving their local area.

Co-op Academy Nightingale

Nightingale in Leeds brought a competitive twist to The Big Lunch with a community bake-off, inviting staff, families and local residents to enter their best bakes. The event drew strong participation and plenty of sweet treats!

Co-op Academy Penny Oaks 

Penny Oaks tied its Father’s Day celebration into The Big Lunch, creating a fun afternoon of food, games, and community cricket, bringing carers and students together at the Leeds-based academy.

Co-op Academy Friarswood

In Stoke-on-Trent, Friarswood held a Big Lunch which coincided with their Big Green Week. The event celebrated the opening of the academy’s newly transformed KS2 Quad Garden. Led by ACP Matt Linley-Simon. The event was supported by 27 volunteers and featured contributions from the Eco Club, who chose the garden's name and theme.

Co-op Academy Stoke-on-Trent

Families, pupils and staff shared a Big Lunch together inside the Stoke-on-Trent academy. Attendees took part in activities and games as they spent time together enjoying a hearty lunch prepared by the academy’s kitchen staff.