New research exposes chronic underfunding of school meals

School meals in England are in desperate need of greater investment and reform, according to a new analysis of the real cost of delivery of a healthy and sustainable school lunch commissioned by Sustain's member School Food Matters.

School children in a canteen. Copyright: Halfpoint | iStockSchool children in a canteen. Copyright: Halfpoint | iStock

News Children's Food Campaign

Published: Tuesday 22 October 2024

New research by Bremner & Co and Cohesion, commissioned by School Food Matters, highlights that the current government funding for school meals is insufficient to cover the actual costs of providing nutritious, sustainable options. The findings reveal a gap of 63p per meal, with the required amount set at £3.16, compared to the current rate of £2.53. 

Stephanie Slater, Founder and Chief Executive at School Food Matters, and a trustee of Sustain said:

"Ensuring children have access to quality nutrition is essential for their health and learning. We know that school meals are the best option for school children, as less than 2% of packed lunches meet the same nutritional standards.

"Our report today shows that the current funding rate for school meals is outdated and insufficient to unlock the unique potential of our school food system for every child. While caterers and cooks in many schools continue to find innovative ways to provide healthy, nutritious and tasty meals, it’s clear that increasing financial pressures mean other schools cannot cope."

Echoing the calls of our Say Yes campaign, TV chef Jamie Oliver also responded to the report saying:

"Kids need nutritious food in school as much as they need pens and paper – they can’t learn without it. Good food lays the foundation for happier, healthier students, who go on to have brighter futures. But this report shows it’s getting harder and harder to do. Schools simply aren’t getting the funding they need, and kids are missing out. They deserve better." 

Children's Food Campaign polling with over 2000 UK parents also shows that nine in ten parents are concerned about school meals offering a range of healthy options and eight in eight parents want tighter enforcement of mandatory healthy food standards in schools. Our parent ambassadors are calling on the government to make free, healthy and sustainable school food a priority for all our children from nursery to sixth form/college.

Responding to the research, Children’s Food Campaign Officer, Naema Jannath says:

"This research sheds light on an urgent issue—our schools simply don’t have the funding needed to give children the healthy, sustainable meals they deserve, and parents are rightly worried. With nearly 500,000 eligible children missing out on free meals due to barriers like stigma and complex enrolment, it’s clear that a change is overdue. Parents overwhelmingly are calling for more nutritious options, and stricter school food standards that are monitored. Now is the time for the government to step up, prioritise proper funding, and ensure that every child, from nursery to college, has access to the quality food they need to thrive."

At the report's launch event, notable speakers such as Labour MP Sharon Hodgson, LACA Chair & CATERed’s Managing Director Brad Pearce, and Oasis UK Founder Steve Chalke emphasised the vital role of school meals in children’s lives. Advocates including Bethan Cullen from the Institute of School Business Leadership (ISBL) and Leah Gardner from Hunger Solutions also shared perspectives on how funding and access improvements have proven successful in the UK and internationally. Catch up on the highlights here.

The report concludes with key recommendations such as:

  • Index-linked funding: Adjusting funding for free school meals to keep pace with inflation, reflecting recent surges in food and labour costs.
  • Auto-enrolment for free school meals: Simplifying access for eligible families to reach nearly 500,000 children who currently miss out due to barriers like stigma or confusion over eligibility.
  • Greater transparency in funding and procurement: Establishing ring-fenced budgets, efficient procurement processes, and standardised meal quality monitoring to maintain high standards.
  • Enhanced local oversight: Implementing a small quality fee per meal to enable councils to hire officers focused on quality control and promoting a whole-school approach to nutrition.

Read the full report available here.

 


Children's Food Campaign: Better food and food teaching for children in schools, and protection of children from junk food marketing are the aims of Sustain's high-profile Children's Food Campaign. We also want clear food labelling that can be understood by everyone, including children.

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