Two decades after her memorable appearance in Jamie Oliver’s groundbreaking documentary on school food, Nora Sands, Britain’s most famous dinner lady, reunites with Jamie in a heartwarming embrace to mark the launch of the second School Food Awards, proudly supported by The Sun.

In the documentary that propelled her to fame, Nora, with her no-nonsense Irish charm, fearlessly challenged the celebrity chef on his mission to revolutionise school meals, famously clashing over the practicality and cost of his nutritious recipes. Yet, despite their spirited debates, Jamie fondly recalls Nora as the perfect fit for the documentary, while Nora herself admits to initially seeing Jamie as a well-meaning, albeit challenging, youngster.

Their encounter, documented in Channel 4’s “Jamie’s School Dinners,” epitomised a nationwide debate over school nutrition, with Jamie’s efforts ultimately leading to government-mandated guidelines on school food. Today, Jamie remains as passionate as ever about ensuring children receive nutritious meals, viewing it as crucial for their well-being and future success.

The School Food Awards, now in their second year, aim to recognize schools that excel in providing excellent food and teaching cookery skills. The partnership between The Sun and Jamie celebrates individuals like James Sommerville, last year’s recipient of the Best School Chef award, whose dedication to catering to diverse dietary needs earned him widespread acclaim.

Reflecting on the impact of the awards, Jamie emphasises the importance of celebrating excellence in school kitchens and advocating for universally high standards. He urges readers to nominate deserving catering teams, emphasising that exceptional school food should be accessible to all.

Nora, with her characteristic wit, fondly reminisces about her time working with Jamie, recalling his youthful enthusiasm and amusing shopping lists filled with unfamiliar ingredients. Despite their initial clashes, Nora acknowledges the positive changes Jamie’s initiatives brought about, championing better nutrition for children.

As nominations for the Good School Food Awards open, figures like Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds and Olympic champion Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill join the judging panel, highlighting the crucial role of nutrition in shaping young lives. Dame Jessica, a passionate advocate for good food, encourages participation in the awards, celebrating the nation’s remarkable school chefs who play a vital role in nurturing the next generation.

With Nora’s indomitable spirit and Jamie’s unwavering dedication, the School Food Awards continue to spotlight the unsung heroes behind Britain’s school meals, ensuring that every child receives not just a meal, but a nutritious and fulfilling experience.