The ‘Nourishing the Future’ report by Barnardos, which is based upon a survey of 2,239 UK parents, highlights growing evidence that too many children are missing out on nutritious food, with a major impact on their health.
A further report, also published today by the School Food Review, pushes the case for free school meals to be expanded, starting with all families on Universal Credit or equivalent benefits, to improve children’s health and wellbeing, outcomes and wider social benefits including reduced inequalities.
The School Food Review is a coalition of 37 organisations spanning educational bodies, charities, caterer representatives, unions and academics.
Both reports are being launched at a parliamentary event hosted by the School Food Review, whose members include, The Food Foundation, School Food Matters, Chefs in Schools, Bite Back and Barnardo’s as well as other charities, educational bodies, unions, academics and caterers.
The event - The Superpowers of School Food: Breakfast and Beyond – will provide MPs with evidence that shows why every child, no matter where they live, should have the same opportunity to access and enjoy nutritious, delicious and sustainable school food.
The School Food Review's new report, Superpowers of Free School Meals, is based upon findings from a poll of 10,000 teachers in England. It reveals one in five teachers (20 per cent) reported that the number of children who are too hungry to learn has increased since the beginning of the academic year. A quarter reported using their own money to feed children, while two-thirds (67 per cent) of teachers said they supported introducing free school meals for all children.
Stephanie Slater, founder and chief executive at School Food Matters said, 'As part of our research we spoke to headteachers in schools outside London who believe it's unfair that access to good nutrition is determined by a family's postcode or their pay packet.'
Chef and campaigner Jamie Oliver, who is supporting the call for free school meals to be expanded, commented, 'When we feed kids well, when we act with kindness and integrity in our politics, the benefits are profound. It truly is a superpower – setting them up to get better grades, better jobs, and so putting £8.9 billion back into the economy over 20 years. Let's hope our politicians can step up to the plate.'
