News

There is just 12 months to go until all children in households receiving universal credit in England become eligible for free school meals – benefitting an estimated 620,000 more children in the first year.

New analysis shows this policy could ‘transform’ not only children’s health and education, but also Britain’s food and farming economy. The report highlights there is a £600m boost opportunity for British farming and children’s health but it also warns the Government risks missing the chance.

The report revealed that expanding to universal school meals could be a ‘game-changer’ for both children and British farming, increasing the number of meals served each year from one billion to 1.54 billion.

Ahead of the National Farmers Union’s Back British Farmers Day (10th September), this surge in demand has the potential to unlock a massive £600 million boost for UK agriculture by sourcing more carrots, broccoli, potatoes and other ingredients from British growers. This would also help the Government meet its own target of 50% local, sustainable and British produce in public sector food.  

Barbara Crowther, children’s food campaign manager at Sustain, said: “We’re on the brink of the most important expansion of school meals in a generation. Our report shows we have a really exciting opportunity to use this to deliver a triple whammy of delicious, nutritious meals for children, investment in sustainable British farming and benefits to our wider economy. The Government simply cannot afford to miss it.”  

The report’s authors caution that this ‘golden opportunity’ will be lost without decisive Government action. To secure these benefits, the report sets out five key recommendations, including:

• Unlock growth for UK producers by continuing expansion towards universal school meals. 
• Fund school meals properly to reflect the true cost of quality and invest in supply chain infrastructure. 
• Raise standards and enforce compliance to ensure nutritious, sustainable food in every school. 
• Scale up proven local models that deliver benefits for both children and farmers. 
• Join up strategies across health, farming and the economy to maximise the impact of public food spending. 

Myles Bremner, former director of the School Food Plan, added: “The Government has set a great ambition of getting more British veg in our schools – a real win-win-win for our farmers and growers, for our kids’ health, and for sustainability. But we need to make sure the school food system is resilient and able to cope with more fresh produce in our kitchens. That means proper kitchens, well-trained staff, and appropriate funding.”

Read the full ‘Follow the Carrot’ report below.