Between 10th and 14th November 2025, schools across the UK will be celebrating Anti-Bullying Week and Friendship Friday. Anti-Bullying Week is all about creating a strong sense of belonging for every child. After consulting teachers and pupils, the Anti-Bullying Alliance chose “Power for Good” as this year’s theme, inspiring schools across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to take positive action against bullying and promote kindness in every classroom. Building on last year’s success, when more than 80% of schools took part and reached 7.5 million young people, this year’s campaign encourages children to use their Power for Good to speak up, support their peers, and help create a culture where compassion thrives. At Riverside, we know that inclusivity goes well beyond the classroom and playground; it continues in the dining hall, where food can bring children together or make them feel excluded.
Why some children feel excluded in the dining hall
Many pupils have dietary restrictions due to food intolerances, allergies, religious observance, and health needs. When these needs are overlooked, the lunch hall can feel isolating. Inclusive food choices not only protect children’s well-being but also encourage understanding, empathy, and friendships across the table. At Riverside Foods, we believe every child should enjoy nutritious food and never feel excluded if their dietary needs differ from those of their peers. Our Family Favourites range helps schools provide inclusive and allergen-aware options including Gluten Free chicken and turkey.
Our family favourites
Riverside Foods’ family favourites have been developed with inclusivity at heart. The range includes gluten-free halal poultry products designed to meet even the most diverse school catering needs. Every product is crafted with attention to safety, certification, including:
- Coeliac UK and Crossed Grain certified gluten-free coatings
- AOCS halal certification for assured compliance, and
- Strict allergen control systems across production
The range includes:
- GF Chicken Nuggets
- GF Chicken Dippers
- GF Breaded Chicken Letters & Numbers
- GF Chicken Dinosaurs
- GF Chicken Mini Fillets
- GF Chicken Kyiv
- GF Chicken Cordon Bleu
- GF Edam
Meeting nutritional standards and school expectations
Schools must meet the statutory school food standards and early years nutrition frameworks in England, to ensure balance, variety, and portion control. Riverside Foods’ Family Favourites range helps caterers comply with these requirements.
Each product is designed to fit nutritional guidelines:
- Lower fat, salt, and sugar
- Whole muscle poultry and lean proteins
- Options that pair easily with fruit, vegetables, and grains
With ready-to-serve, high-quality ingredients, schools can confidently prepare balanced meals that satisfy both regulators and pupils.
Child-friendly recipes for all diets
Inclusivity should taste great too. Riverside Foods offers kid-approved recipes that are easy to prepare and full of flavour. Each recipe is designed to meet school standards while accommodating special diets.
We have lots of recipes on our website for GF and vegetarian dishes, including:
- Gluten Free Chicken Chunks & Dip
- Gluten Free Chicken Kyiv With Buttery Mash
- Gluten Free Gooey Edam Cheese Starter
- Gluten Free Turkey Tabbouleh
- Gluten Free Chicken & Turkey Rasher Salad
In busy school kitchens, we know that time and staff are limited. Family Favourites are pre-cooked and frozen, which helps schools to serve consistent meals quickly, reduce food waste, and maintain food safety and portion control.
Promoting inclusivity through food
Food can be a powerful tool for inclusion. During Anti-Bullying Week, schools can celebrate diversity by making mealtimes part of their inclusivity activities.
Ideas include:
- Hosting themed lunches featuring foods from different cultures
- “Build your own wrap” or salad stations, encouraging choice and creativity
- Displaying allergen and dietary information clearly so all pupils feel confident eating together
- Inviting pupils and parents to contribute ideas for inclusive menus
When children see their needs represented on the plate, it sends a strong message: everyone belongs.
Final words
At Riverside Foods, we are proud to support schools in creating safe, inclusive, and nutritious dining experiences. Our Family Favourites range helps caterers meet standards, save time, and deliver meals that every pupil can enjoy with confidence. Let’s make Anti-Bullying Week a celebration of inclusion, one meal at a time.
