Healthier school dinners planned under new food standards

School meals across England are set to become healthier under new government standards aimed at improving the food children eat during the school day.

The School Food Standards are being updated for the first time in more than a decade, with schools expected to provide more fresh fruit and vegetables, fibre-rich foods and balanced meals, while reducing foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat.

Schools will also be expected to publish their food policies and menus online and nominate a school food governor, giving parents and pupils more information about the meals being provided.

The Department for Education says the new standards have been developed with nutritionists and public health experts and tested with schools and caterers. Training, resources and guidance will be provided to help schools prepare for the changes, which are due to be enforced from September 2027.

The reforms come alongside the expansion of free school meals and free breakfast clubs, with the government saying the measures are intended to improve children’s health and help pupils remain focused during the school day.

Find out more on GOV.UK:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/healthier-school-dinners-as-government-delivers-major-reforms