Soil Association calls for fresh framework on school food
The government has launched a consultation on revising school food standards in England, in a move the Soil Association (SA) says could be ‘game-changing’ if properly implemented.
The Requirements for School Food Regulations 2014 (School Food Standards) set the framework to ensure pupils receive healthy food and drink. But they haven’t been updated for over a decade – so no longer reflect current nutritional advice.
Welcoming the consultation, the SA’s head of food policy, Rob Percival, comments: “Revised standards could be game-changing, helping raise the quality of food provided across England, if they come with increased funding for support and training.”
The charity stresses that caterers would need support to implement any changes, with training and guidance for school leaders, caterers and business managers. Its main concern is that updated standards are properly monitored and enforced.
“There is a lack of national data to help identify success stories or causes for concern, and no effective framework in place.”
The SA also argues that the revised framework must promote freshly prepared, minimally processed, plant-rich meals, while allowing flexibility for cultural, allergen and faith requirements.
Percival adds that the lack of a national monitoring framework remains a key gap: “Our Food for Life Served Here award is the only scheme verifying the quality of meals being served to British school children – this must change. There is a lack of national data to help identify success stories or causes for concern, and no effective framework in place.”
For 20 years, the SA’s Food for Life programme has worked to bring sustainable change by working directly with local authorities, caterers and food suppliers. One way it does this is by delivering more than a million minimally processed school meals each day.
“We are inspired every day by the incredible meals served by the cooks, chefs and caterers working within the Food for Life network and beyond,” says Percival, “but we know that not all children are receiving a healthy and high-quality meal.”
The SA says it will be actively involved in responding to the government’s consultation on School Food Standards.
By Jane Wolfe, contributor