A Hampshire school chef has won a national award for his work in one of the UK’s largest social housing estates.

Alex Moody, 32 , head chef at Park Community School in Havant, was named the national winner of the Jamie Oliver Good School Food ‘Kindness Hero’ Award.

Alex and the team at Park Community’s mission is simple - to ensure no one goes hungry, no one gets left out. And every plate served is a chance to show someone they matter.

With 60 percent of pupils eligible for free school meals, the team knows the importance of truly serving their community. The in-house catering team makes sure every student gets at least one healthy, hearty meal a day.

Their work doesn’t stop at the school gates, however. Through the Munch programme, Alex and the team provide free, hot, two-course meals every week to anyone in the community who needs them, plus special lunches during school holidays and a full three-course Christmas dinner for up to 150 residents who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Now in its ninth year, Munch serves around 80 people every week. It’s funded in part by the school’s community tea room, which is also provided by the kitchen team. Every penny of profit goes straight back into making sure free meals can continue.

When the school throws open its gates for special events—like its annual circus day, where 600 locals come through the doors—they’re welcomed with a smile and a free warm meal, no questions asked.

The school also runs free family cooking clubs during the holidays, where parents and kids cook together, eat together, and walk away with new skills and full bellies.

Steve Cross, the executive chef at Park Community School, said: "Alex doesn't just run the kitchen here, It's much more than that, it's a lifeline."