UK parents demand healthier school meals

A recent poll of 1,000 UK parents conducted as part of a new Chefs in Schools report The School Food Standards: What Parents Want For Their Children shows near-unanimous support for fresher, more nutritious school lunches and strong backing for stronger government standards to make it happen.

Key findings include: 

• 96 percent of parents insist that their children’s meals should be made with fresh or nutritious ingredients

• Among those, 83 percent want the government to introduce stronger, enforceable standards across all schools

• Concerns run deep at secondary level: 66 percent worry their child is offered unhealthy options every day, while 78 percent admit their children tend to pick foods high in sugar, salt, and fat when left to choose for themselves.

Naomi Duncan, Chief Executive at Chefs in Schools, who commissioned the report and is now inviting more parents to share their views, says:

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.

Other research shows that on average only 64 percent of current School Food Standards are actually being met by secondary schools. Sustain's Parents’ Manifesto for Healthy Children’s Food has urged the government to ensure that all food served in nurseries and schools meets good nutritional standards - and that these standards are properly regulated and monitored. 

Naema Jannath, Children's Food Campaign Officer says:

"Parents rightly expect that when their children are at school, the food they’re served is nutritious, properly regulated, and consistently monitored.  But it’s not just about rules on paper; we must also rethink how that food reaches the plate. By updating procurement policies to prioritise fresh, minimally processed British produce, we can improve children’s diets while supporting UK farmers and building stronger local food systems. These priorities are at the heart of our Parents’ Manifesto, which calls for real, lasting change to give every child a healthy start and protect the future of our food."

Parent ambassadors for the Children's Food Campaign recently met with health and education ministers to discuss school food standards, and are urging the government to ensure the expansion of school meals is accompanied by a commitment to improve quality, as one of our ambassadors also argues in this recent New Statesman feature.

Parent ambassador Mandy Mazliah says:

“As a parent, I’m thrilled the government is extending free school meals. This is such a huge step forward - every child deserves a proper, nutritious meal to help them learn, play and enjoy their school day. I’d love to see the government go even further to improve the quality of food offered to children, especially in secondary schools where the options can be really hit or miss.”

Chef Jamie Oliver says:

"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."

The Chefs in Schools report sets out key recommendations, including:

1. Restricting sugary desserts, cakes, and biscuits to no more than twice per week.

2. Mandating the inclusion of fruit, vegetables, or salad with every meal.

3. Strengthening inspection and monitoring to ensure compliance with nutritional guidelines.

Chefs in Schools are seeking more views on school food, get involved and share them here: chefsinschools.org.uk/feedthemwell

Download the full report here.

Download the Parents' Manifesto for Healthy Children's Food.