The Government is reviewing the School Food Standards for the first time since 2014. Chefs in Schools says this is an opportunity for parents to share what they think should be included. The report has highlighted that parents want junk food out, more fresh food in and better monitoring of food standards.
The polling found 96% of parents feel it’s important that school meals are prepared with fresh or nutritious ingredients. Two thirds of parents (66%) are concerned about the possibility of junk food being offered to a child in secondary schools every day.
A quarter say these items should not be available in schools at all. Three quarters (78%) say that without guidance their children would choose items high in sugar, salt and fat. Now, Chefs in Schools seeking more views on school food, share them here: chefsinschools.org.uk/feedthemwell.
Naomi Duncan, chief executive at Chefs in Schools, said: “We welcome the Government’s commitment to review the school food standards and we urge people to get involved and share their views on how school food could be.
“Our polling found that two thirds of parents want to be involved in shaping what children eat at school, this is your chance to have a say. We have a window of opportunity to deliver school food that fuels, teaches about varied diets and gives children the nutrients needed to learn.”
The report also found there is strong support among parents for monitoring of quality, with around three quarters (78%) saying they want the Government to actively inspect and enforce the School Food Standards in every school.
The report includes contributions from School Food Matters, the Food Foundation and Bite Back. It highlights a demand for bold action from Government to ensure innovative and nutritious food is the norm in all schools.
Dame Prue Leith, patron at Chefs in Schools, added: “It’s high time we fed children healthy, delicious food at school. For this we need better school standards, and more importantly, that they are enforced, something which has never happened. Maybe this time?”
Despite a clear appetite for change among parents, the research highlights a lack of awareness of School Food Standards with only around half (47%) of those surveyed having heard of them.
In 2014, the UK Government introduced a mandatory set of standards for the food provided to children in Government-maintained primary and secondary schools in England with the aim of helping children develop healthy eating habits.
Jamie Oliver commented: “Making sure kids get fresh, nutritious food at school is a win for everyone — it helps kids learn, feel good, and build healthy habits for life. Parents get it. Teachers get it. The kids get it.
“Now it’s time for the Government to get it too. We need amazing standards, proper checks, and real support for the brilliant school chefs who make it happen every day. Get involved and make school food something we can all be proud of.”