News

LACA (Local Authority Caterers Association) has offered its reaction to the findings of a new study by the School Food Trust (SFT) into the effect of compulsory nutritional standards for school food provision in secondary schools.

The study, which was published on Saturday, April 28th, looks at how the introduction of the nutritional standards had impacted on food preparation, uptake of healthier options and attitudes and eating habits of teenagers in 2011, compared to 2004.

The study found a number of positive improvements since 2004, among them were:

* Chip consumption was down from 43% in 2004 to just 7% in 2011
* An average school meal contained a third less saturated fat, fat, salt and sugar in 2011 than it did in 2004
* Almost all schools had removed the sale of snacks like chocolate, sweets and crisps completely (although almost 75% of students still brought them into school in packed lunches)
* Uptake of secondary school meals is continuing to rise
* Only 59% of secondary schools had fruit and veg or salad on the menu every day; now almost all do (98%)
* 77% of schools used to offer foods cooked in fat or oil every day, now it is just over half of schools that do (53%)
* Fewer students are eating these foods (50% of students in 2004 down to 17% in 2011)
* Mandatory nutritional standards have made an impact where voluntary standards had not

LACA National Chair, Lynda Mitchell comments: “These positive results are really encouraging and an enormous boost to everyone who has worked hard, against huge challenges during the introduction of the compulsory standards, to improve eating habits and increase meal take up in secondary schools.

“One of these challenges was how to overcome the initial resistance of teenagers to healthier eating which at the time of the introduction of Nutrient Standards into secondary schools in 2009, school caterers said would take time.

“This feedback should send a strong signal to the Government that we are turning the corner in secondary schools and that mandatory nutritional standards are beginning to pay off.  However, school caterers know that they cannot be complacent or rest on their laurels.

“We know that there is more to do but everyone involved with the battle to maintain the upward trend in improved eating habits as well as the uptake of school meals, needs continued Government support.

“The Government needs to ensure that a single set of mandatory standards are applicable to all schools and that includes Academies and Free Schools which are currently exempt under the current legislation.

“A two-tier system is being allowed to develop which impacts on not only the provision of demonstrably healthier meals but also on the future of the industry.

“It could wipe out the years of effort by school caterers and the substantial investment that has been made to date to ensure that children and young people have the opportunity of nutritious school meals which help give them the best possible start in life.

“We are aware that there are a number of maintained schools still working towards meeting the regulations.

“On the other hand, we are seeing the regulations being ignored with unhealthy food and drinks being allowed back into some academies.

“Caterers across the country have knowledge of non-compliance by academy head teachers and I, too, have personal evidence of this in my own region.

“This situation gives off mixed messages and could potentially undermine the progress made to date.

“We are still in the middle of an obesity crisis. Without positive Government intervention now to amend the legislation and provide one standard for all schools, the physical wellbeing and academic performance of children and young people both at academies and maintained schools, could be at risk if the standards are eroded.”