Nutrition for a Healthier Future

Fuelling Success with Nutrition

Good nutrition plays a crucial role in physical and cognitive development, helping to sustain energy levels, focus and positive behaviour. Simply put: you are what you eat—and only by putting in the best can students perform at their best. That’s why we actively empower our students to make informed choices about their diet. By understanding the principles of nutrition, they develop lifelong healthy habits that benefit them far beyond their time at college. "Cultivating healthy eating habits from a young age can have a lasting impact on children's future behaviours and health. At Chapter One, we strive to make school mealtimes enjoyable, engaging, and delicious, helping students establish lifelong healthy eating practices." Ian, Chapter One.

Fresh, Locally Sourced Ingredients

Our menus are developed in line with nutritional guidelines. Each lunch features a minimum of two portions of vegetables and salad daily. We prioritise a variety of vegetables in different shapes and colours to ensure students receive a broad spectrum of nutrients. We also incorporate hidden vegetables into dishes, such as grated carrot in sauces or cauliflower puree in cheese dishes, to encourage vegetable consumption. Every meal includes freshly cooked vegetables, and fresh fruit is always available. Fruits and vegetables offer essential vitamins and minerals crucial for growth and development, while fibre supports a healthy digestive system.

Ian states "School meals should not merely focus on calories to sustain students between meals; they should address all the nutritional needs necessary for students to reach their full potential, excel academically, and savour the food they eat."

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing

At OICB, we are committed to making ethical and sustainable food choices. Chapter One follows a Supply Chain for Good approach, ensuring that animal welfare and sustainability remain a top priority. This means we get red tractor-certified meat – ensuring high farming and welfare standards, free-range eggs – supporting humane and sustainable egg production and MSC-approved fish – sourced responsibly to protect marine environments.

By maintaining fully audited and traceable sourcing, we not only provide nutritious meals but also reduce our carbon footprint, fostering a culture of responsibility and sustainability among our students.

A Dining Experience That Feels Like Home

We understand that for our international students, food is an important part of feeling comfortable and at home. That’s why our menus are diverse and globally inspired, offering flavours from around the world while maintaining the highest standards of nutrition and quality.

At OIC Brighton, healthy eating is more than just a policy—it’s a way of life. By ensuring that our students have access to balanced, nutritious meals, we empower them to thrive academically, physically and emotionally, helping them to be at their very best, every day.