The letter urged the Prime Minister to deliver five-a-day to a million children using the Food for Life ‘whole school approach’ to good food with sensory education and better school meals.
It was signed by writer Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, co-founder of TastEd Jason O’Rourke, chief executive of Veg Power Dan Parker, chief executive of Chefs in Schools Naomi Duncan as well as founder of School Food Matters Stephanie Slater.
According to the Soil Association ultra-processed foods now make up roughly two-thirds of the average child’s diet in the UK.
The letter stated: “We believe a love of good food should be nurtured in children from the youngest age possible, and schools should play a starring role. By providing healthy and freshly prepared school meals, and by reconnecting children with food – through cooking and growing activities, visits to British farms, and sensory food education – schools can help turn the tide on the ultra-processed diet that is consuming our nation and burdening our NHS.
“We urge you to embrace schools as part of the solution. Every school should be supported to provide freshly prepared meals, taking a ‘whole school approach’ to food education that includes direct sensory knowledge of real vegetables and fruits. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the simple steps Government can take in delivering this ambition.”