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The project was led by The Food Foundation and University of York as part of the FixOurFood programme. The ‘A Better Deal for Free School Meals’ research was conducted by 42 students aged 11-15 from seven secondary schools across Yorkshire. 

They were tasked to only spend their free school meals allowance each day for a week and purchase the most healthy and sustainable options, whilst recording their purchases. The students are attending an event at Parliament today (29th November) to present their findings to MPs. 

Aliza, a 14-year-old pupil from Halifax, said: “I absolutely loved taking part in this research as I found it an amazing opportunity to share what we experienced firsthand as students. From this I saw an inequality throughout the food system as the free school meal allowance means that the students have limited choices and can’t have a snack at break time either as this reduced their lunch meal.

“I believe the Government needs to do more to provide students with a healthy, sustainable and tasty free school meal because our health matters for our education and future.”  

The amount that children received on their accounts varied, even though the allocation from Government is fixed at £2.53. Children received between £2.15 and £2.70. Children often received this allocation just before lunch so it could not be used in the mid-morning break.

Students described feeling ‘under pressure’ as they approached the counter not knowing if they would be asked to put items back as they were out of their budget. 

Children on free school meals rely heavily on the meal deal. Meal deals are priced at the level of the FSM allowance and usually include a main course, pudding and bottled drink.

If not opting for the meal deal, students can purchase single, ‘grab and go’ items. Over a third of the lunches purchased included a baguette/sandwich/panini/wrap. A quarter included pizza.

Annie Connolly, citizen engagement manager at The Food Foundation, added: “This research gives us a valuable insight into what it’s really like to receive free school meals from a student's perspective. Free school meals are a crucial nutritional safety net for many young people across England so it’s important we ensure students are getting a balanced meal.   

“About a third of a child’s food intake happens during the school day, and we know many children aren’t able to eat as well at home as a result of the cost of living crisis. If simple changes can be made to improve the standards of school food, whilst also extending eligibility, this could have a hugely positive impact on the health of the next generation.”

The Food Foundation is calling for the Government to:

• Mandate that all free school meals funding passed from local authorities or Multi-Academy Trusts to schools is ring-fenced for school meal provision.
• A requirement to offer two or more portions of vegetables with every meal. This would bring England’s Standards in line with those in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Ensure that ‘grab and go’ items (e.g. sandwiches and pizza) include a portion of vegetables.