Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the launch of an initiative aiming to make the UK’s children healthier at a reception at 10 Downing Street earlier this week.
This was followed-up with an interview on ITV’s Lorraine programme where Starmer said: "I think [school meals] are hugely important. We’re celebrating here partnership working, government with various sectors, but particularly focusing on food at school...Nutritious food is obviously better for children.”
The Food Foundation has called for the expansion of Free School Meals by September 2026. It said it wants a revision of the School Food Standards in line with nutrition advice and a review on how free school meal funding is allocated.
It also asked for the introduction of universal national monitoring to ensure basic compliance with school food standards led by the Food Standards Agency. Moreover, it suggested that Ofsted ask about school food quality and food education during their inspections.
Longer term it is calling for training for kitchen staff and quality accreditation of school food to be mandatory and an update of the Government Buying Standards in line with nutritional standards and government manifesto commitments.
Finally, it said that by September 2028 it wants the Government to commit to regular, evidence-based reviews of school food policy including food standards, free meal eligibility, and the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.
The Food Foundation’s executive director Anna Taylor, said it was “hugely encouraging” to see the Prime Minster demonstrate such a strong personal commitment to improving children’s health and nutrition in schools.
“This announcement marks a major step forward and shows that school food is now a priority of the highest order,” she said.
“We now need decisive action from Government to turn that commitment into reality by delivering an ambitious update to the school food standards, introducing proper monitoring of compliance and supporting schools to improve where needed, so that every plate reflects our shared goal: ensuring all children can eat well and thrive.”
She called for government, charities, philanthropists, schools, and caterers to “pull together” and “seize this once-in-a-generation moment" and use it to transform school food.
