We’re so proud to share that our Executive Development Chef, Gary Periti, has been shortlisted in the Healthy Eating Champion category.
With over 30 years of culinary experience, Gary has devoted his career to inspiring young people to explore new flavours and foods, encouraging them to truly enjoy every meal. His passion for food has transformed how pupils experience eating while helping to shape healthy habits for the future.
At AiP, Gary’s influence can be found across every menu. He’s passionate about bringing together nutritious ingredients, big flavours and bright ideas to inspire healthy eating from an early age. From developing plant-based dishes that are full of flavour to creating inclusive menus, his work has helped shape school dining.
For Gary, working in education as a chef has been a rewarding experience. It’s that spark of curiosity and joy that keeps him motivated, knowing that the meals being served are helping shape healthy habits for the future.
When he’s not designing new menus, Gary enjoys cooking simple, flavour-packed dishes like hispi cabbage with peanuts, soy and chilli. It’s a recipe he loves for its balance and versatility, whether made in the kitchen, on a BBQ or over an open fire. His passion for food is infectious, and it’s reflected in the dishes pupils ask for time and again, like the popular Chilli Bean Stack and Mexican Fajita Bowl.
As we move into the autumn and winter months, Gary describes the new school menus as flavourful, vibrant and inclusive with something to suit every taste.
Gary’s nomination is a moment of pride for all of us at AiP. It recognises not only his incredible talent and dedication, but also the positive impact he’s had on school catering. From crafting innovative, sustainable menus to inspiring the next generation to enjoy nutritious food.