British Dietetic Association calls for universal primary free school meals
The BDA is calling on the UK Government to extend free school meal provision to all primary schoolchildren. By ensuring universal access to nutritious meals, the BDA says this can address health disparities, alleviate financial burdens on families and shape a healthier more equitable generation.
This resource has been developed with the BDA member campaign working group, using the most up-to-date insights and evidence. Key recommendations:
- Nations across the UK should commit to making free school meals universal for all children in primary school.
- Every school should adopt a Whole School Food Approach embedding food, nutrition and sustainability into the heart of school life.
- Free school meals must better align with current evidence-based, nutritional advice to ensure that children have the energy and quality nutrition needed to get the most from their school days now, and for the benefit of their future health.
A spokesperson for the BDA said: “This document highlights the far-reaching benefits of universal provision, informed by a wealth of evidence. With children consuming around one-third of their diet at school, school meals are one of the biggest nutritional interventions in the UK, and we know they work. Support the campaign, get involved and start sharing.”