Recent research of over 2,000 UK parents reveals overwhelming support to see more healthy and planet friendly options on school menus.
The polling, conducted by Savanta, on behalf of the Children’s Food Campaign, shows that 8 in 10 parents want to see more rigorous enforcement of nutritional standards for school food, with the same number agreeing that school inspections should encompass oversight of school food policy and the quality of food served.
In addition, parents widely support the promotion of healthy and sustainable school meal policies.
- Just over half of parents believe their children’s school meals are nutritious, with parents of secondary school-aged children expressing less confidence compared to parents of primary school-aged children.
- 89% of parents want to see school meals offer a range of healthy options.
- 84% support replacing sugary desserts with more fruit and healthy yogurts.
- 77% of parents would like schools to be encouraged to serve foods that are good for nature and the environment, whilst just over half of parents (55%) support more meat-free days or replacing meat and dairy with beans, pulses or other healthy plant-based options.
- 74% of parents support all schools having healthy packed lunch policies.
- 66% of parents support water and milk-only policies.