Sustain has announced winners for the Children’s Food Awards 2025. Below, we share the winners for each category and briefly why the judges chose them:

Political Leadership in Championing Children's Healthy Food

Winner: Carolyn Wilson and the early years team, Scottish Government

Why? ‘Their innovative work offers a model with potential applicability across the UK and other high-income nations… Judges welcomed policies being actively promoted and implemented.’

Championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Children's Food

Winner: Leicester Mammas

Why? ‘The judges loved their innovative model of peer 'mammas' offering training, workshops, and advice, reflecting Leicester's ethnic diversity. They bring valuable frontline experience to national policy makers and their work makes a demonstrable difference to the families they serve, enabling vulnerable babies in Leicester to eat well from the start of life.’

Children's Food Commercial Villain

Winner: Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)

Why? ‘KFC has challenged at least 43 English councils over their planning policies that restrict new hot food takeaways, successfully stopping or watering down local efforts to champion children's health in more than half of cases… Following fast expansion, in November 2024 KFC also dropped a 2019 pledge to stop using fast growing chickens by 2026 (dubbed “Frankenchickens”).’

Worst Example of Health-Washing in Children's Food

Winner: Aptamil 3 Toddler Milk

Why? ‘Despite its claims of being beneficial for children, it contains almost as much sugar as a Yazoo chocolate milkshake (14.1g of free sugars per day) as well as fish oil, making it unsuitable for vegetarians. At £5.25 per litre, it’s an expensive product offering minimal nutritional benefits, masking its ultra-processed ingredients with a facade of health benefits. Judges noted guidance from the NHS that these toddler or ‘growing up’ milks are not necessary for healthy child development.’

Recipe Most in Need of Change

Winner: Farley’s Rusk Reduced Sugar biscuits

Why? ‘While its sugar level is lower than that of standard Rusks, the excessive sugar is unnecessary and is misleadingly masked by the 'reduced sugar' label. The public nominator and the judges agreed this product should be reformulated to be less sweet overall, to avoid contributing to sweet taste preferences or tooth decay.’

School Food Campaign Legend (Award partner: Bremner & Co)

Winner: Stephanie Slater

Why? ‘As leader of School Food Matters, she has expanded from a local programme in London to a highly respected national organisation. In 2024, she championed the School Food Review “virtuous venn” diagram, harmonising policies on access, quality, and funding, and led the Two Cities campaign to address meal access disparities between London and Liverpool. Stephanie also championed the Cost of a School Meal report, highlighting funding gaps and advocating for systemic change. Highly respected for her collaborative approach and comprehensive vision, Stephanie's work has had a profound impact, earning her widespread recognition.’

Early Years Nutrition Legend (Award partner: First Steps Nutrition Trust)

Winner: The Breastfeeding Network

Why? ‘In a context of limited government investment in breastfeeding support, BFN's work is crucial, particularly as many women stop breastfeeding earlier than they wish. CEO Catherine Hines is an influential advocate for breastfeeding and safe formula feeding. The judges praised BFN's collaborative approach and focus on inclusivity, especially in supporting Black Breastfeeding Week and maternal mental health.’

Children’s Food Young Changemaker (Award partner: Bite Back)

Winner: Elsie, George & Esmee

Why? ‘The judges loved the practical change that these young people brought to their school, using a democratic and inclusive approach. While their work was localised, focusing on their own school, the judges thought their work shows fantastic potential to take that initiative, inspire other young activists, and have a much greater impact on the wider food system.’

Best Local Healthy Food Advertising Policy (Nominations led by Sustain’s Commercial Determinants Coordinator Fran Bernhardt)

Winner: Tower Hamlets Council

Why? ‘Tower Hamlets have been actively pursuing a strong implementation of their policy and as they are the council that most closely aligns with Sustain recommendations on robust implementation, they are setting new ambitious precedents for others to follow.’

 Best Local Initiative Championing Children’s Healthy Food (Award partner: Soil Association)

Winner: Give Peas a Chance!

Why? ‘The initiative supports local farming, improves soil health, and reduces food waste. The judges loved its innovation, as well as its integration of sustainability into school meals, and potential for wider replication.’

To read the full run-down of the results and more information about each winner, check out the full article on Sustain’s website here