Thank you for contacting me about school food.
I believe all children should be able to access healthy food at school every day. Nutritional standards are in place for state-funded school meals in England. They aim to ensure that the food given to pupils is nutritious and of high quality, and to promote good health and eating behaviour. For example, they severely restrict foods high in fat, salt and sugar, as well as low-quality reformed or reconstituted foods.
The Holiday Activities and Food Programme, introduced by the previous Government, provides healthy meals to children from low-income families over the Easter, summer, and Christmas school holidays, and I am pleased the Government has announced funding for the programme to continue until 2029.
In addition, from September 2026, the Government will extend free school meals to all children in England whose parents receive Universal Credit. While free school meals are obviously welcome, the things that are being cut to pay for them are much less welcome. For example, the Government broke their promise to fully fund the national increase for schools, and some have been short-changed by 35 per cent.
I note your concerns over the existing requirements for meat and dairy servings at schools. Although the School Food Standards regulate the food and drink provided at both lunchtime and at other times of the school day, I believe that head teachers, school governors and caterers are best placed to make decisions about their school food policies, taking into account local circumstances and the needs of their pupils.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
