Veg Power’s recent report, “Primary school meals: Who decides?” examines the decision-making dynamics around school meal uptake and the barriers families face. The survey, involving 3,000 UK parents and carers, reveals that children significantly influence over 60% of decisions regarding school meals. In households where parents are the sole decision-makers, children are more likely to consume school meals. The survey also shows that 26% of children rarely or never have school meals, with 43% of parents stating they would opt for school meals if they were free. However, for 10-15% of primary-aged children, the issue goes beyond cost, as 54% prefer packed lunches, despite only 1.6% meeting government food standards.
The report also highlights a decline in school meal consumption as children age, with older children eating fewer meals at school. Notably, children from households with incomes between £30,000 and £60,000 consume fewer school meals, reflecting the financial pressures on the “squeezed middle” who are often ineligible for free school meals.
Veg Power advocates for universal free school meals for all primary children or at least extending eligibility to lower-income families. They recommend increasing “per meal” funding to at least £3.00 and improving the school food culture to make lunchtimes more appealing and inclusive, with an emphasis on greater variety and student input in menu design.
Review the full report
Read the full Primary School Meals: Who Decides report and view Veg Power’s recommendations on how you can increase the uptake of Primary School Meals.
