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The charity School Food Matters commissioned research to compare the Government’s allocated school meal funding with the actual costs of serving nutritious and sustainable meals. 

The report, which has backing from across the school food sector, found that the current funding rate of £2.53 per school meal is 63p below what is needed, making the ‘true cost’ £3.16. School Food Matters is hosting a webinar about the findings of the report on Thursday 24th October.

School meal funding has not kept up with inflation, especially with rapid food and labour cost increases in recent years. This funding gap has contributed to the increased risk of pre-prepared and ultra-processed foods being used in schools.

Some schools involved in the research also reported running deficit school meal budgets, having problems with staff recruitment, retention and development as well as a lack of investment in kitchen equipment. Smaller schools have faced some of the greatest challenges, with some even switching entirely to a packed lunch only offer. 

Stephanie Slater, founder and chief executive at School Food Matters, said: “Ensuring children have access to quality nutrition is essential for their health and learning. We know that school meals are the best option for schoolchildren, as less than 2% of packed lunches meet the same nutritional standards. 

“Our report shows that the current funding rate for school meals is outdated and insufficient to unlock the unique potential of our school food system for every child. While caterers and cooks in many schools continue to find innovative ways to provide healthy, nutritious and tasty meals, it’s clear that increasing financial pressures mean other schools cannot cope. 

“We urge the Government, ahead of its first Budget this month, to adopt our recommended school meal funding rate. This is a fantastic opportunity to set the tone and move closer towards Labour’s manifesto pledge of ‘creating the healthiest generation ever’.” 

The Cost of a School Meal report, conducted by Bremner & Co and Cohesion, recommends that the Government address these issues by increasing the per-meal funding rate to £3.16. This includes £1.16 for food, £1.66 to employ an appropriately skilled team, 32p for overheads and an additional 2p earmarked for quality assurance. 

Responding to the School Food Matters report findings, TV chef Jamie Oliver, added: “Kids need nutritious food in school as much as they need pens and paper – they can’t learn without it.

“Good food lays the foundation for happier, healthier students, who go on to have brighter futures. But this report shows it’s getting harder and harder to do. Schools simply aren’t getting the funding they need, and kids are missing out. They deserve better.” 

In addition to calling for more money in the school food system, the School Food Matters report recommends implementing auto-enrolment for free school meals nationwide.

The report also calls for increased funding transparency, more efficient procurement, a ring-fenced school food budget and mandatory Government buying standards for school food. It further recommends a mandatory system to monitor the quality of school meals to address inconsistent delivery.