11 November 2025
School food on the menu at Number 10
Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the launch of an initiative aiming to make the UK’s children healthier at a reception at 10 Downing Street last night.
A key focus of the initiative will be working in partnership to improve the nutritional quality of children’s food in school.
In a follow-up interview on ITV's Lorraine programme this morning Starmer said: "I think (school meals) are hugely important. We're celebrating here partnership working, government with various sectors, but particularly focusing on food at school...Nutritious food is obviously better for children.
"And guess what? They do like it more. It has an impact on health beyond eating a good meal a day, because two of the biggest issues for children are obesity and tooth decay. And what we're doing today is really important on all those fronts."
The Food Foundation's Executive Director Anna Taylor, said: "It’s hugely encouraging to see the Prime Minster demonstrate such a strong personal commitment to improving children’s health and nutrition, recognising the instrumental role school food plays in that.
Every child deserves the best start in life - and access to nutritious, high-quality school meals is absolutely central to making that happen.
This announcement marks a major step forward and shows that school food is now a priority of the highest order. We now need decisive action from Government to turn that commitment into reality by delivering an ambitious update to the school food standards, introducing proper monitoring of compliance and supporting schools to improve where needed, so that every plate reflects our shared goal: ensuring all children can eat well and thrive.
With the support from the Prime Minister, the Department for Education should be emboldened to make this happen, knowing they have the backing to make real change alongside the support of civil society.
September 2026 is a pivotal moment when more than half a million additional children will be eligible for Free School Meals.
We all - government, charities, philanthropists, schools, and caterers - must pull together and seize this once-in-a-generation moment and use it to transform school food. Everyone in the school food ecosystem has a part to play. The foundations for success are in place; now it’s time to pull together to turn this potential into impact.
After years of campaigning for change, we warmly welcome the government’s commitment to work with charities and are excited to support the government to turn this ambition into action and ensure every child can access good, nutritious food at school.
Food Ambassador, food educator and parent, Rebecca from Devon, added: "As a parent with children in school, and a school food educator, I know how vital a healthy lunch is for their wellbeing and learning.
"Free School Meals give every child the chance to eat well and feel valued, but it’s not just about access - it’s about quality too. Strong school food standards, regularly reviewed and upheld, make sure the food children eat truly supports their health and the planet.
"Without proper oversight, those standards can slip, and children miss out on the nourishment they deserve. I hope the government invests in making this a consistent reality across all schools."
Meanwhile, Food Ambassador and school pupil, Yusuf from London, said: "As a young person who has seen friends skip meals or settle for food that barely fuels them, I know school food can make or break a student’s day.
"Every child deserves the same access to good nutrition that supports both learning and long-term health. I hope this commitment marks the start of a lasting change - where every school meal is a source of pride, not compromise."
Timeline for transforming school food
To achieve the ambition to transform school food, we are calling on the government to take the following actions:
- In time for the September 2026 expansion of Free School Meals:
- Revise the School Food Standards in line with nutrition advice
- Review how free school meal funding is allocated to ensure it is used effectively
- Introduce national monitoring of school food standards led by the Food Standards Agency
- Require Ofsted to ask about school food quality and food education during their inspections
- Starting from September 2027:
- Make training for kitchen staff and quality accreditation of school food mandatory
- Update the Government Buying Standards in line with nutritional standards and government commitments and ensure they apply to schools
- Starting from September 2028:
- Commit to regular, evidence-based reviews of school food policy - including food standards, free meal eligibility, and the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme
Anna joined The Food Foundation as its first Executive Director at the beginning of June 2015 after five years at the Department for International Development. At DFID Anna led the policy team on nutrition and supported the delivery of the UK’s global commitments to tackle undernutrition. Before joining DFID Anna worked for a number of international organisations including Save the Children and UNICEF and has been at the forefront of international leadership on nutrition for several years, supporting programmes in a wide range of contexts in Africa and South Asia. Anna has also worked for the UK Department of Health. In 2014 she was awarded an OBE for her work to address the global burden of undernutrition. She did a MSc in Human Nutrition at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 1994. In May 2017 Anna became a member of the London Food Board to advise the Mayor of London and the GLA on the food matters that affect Londoners. She is a Board member for Veg Power and an advisor to the International Food Policy Research Institute. She served as Chief Independent Adviser to Henry Dimbleby for the development of the National Food Strategy published in 2021.
Rebecca is a dedicated school food development professional with over 15 years of experience advocating for better school food equity and student nutrition. With a deep passion for creating healthier and more sustainable food environments for young people, Rebecca has worked across both the UK and Canada, championing universal school food programs. As a Food Ambassador for The Food Foundation, Rebecca is committed to improving access to nutritious meals for all students and ensuring that food plays a central role in supporting their health and wellbeing.
Yusuf is a passionate campaigner dedicated to addressing food poverty and promoting sustainable, equitable food systems for all. As a Food Ambassador, he leverages his extensive leadership experience to advocate for improved policies and practical solutions that tackle the root causes of food insecurity. With a history of working alongside organisations such as the Department for Education, UNICEF, and the London Boroughs of Redbridge and Haringey, Yusuf brings a unique perspective to his mission of ensuring that no young person goes without access to nutritious, affordable food.
Yusuf has held influential roles, including Youth MP, Ambassador for the Children’s Commissioner, and European Member of Youth Parliament. He has worked on critical campaigns through the Redbridge Youth Council, Corporate Parenting Advisory Committee, and Pan London Children in Care Council. His contributions include collaborating with Leaders Unlocked, Aspire, and Partnership for Young London to amplify young voices in the fight against food poverty.
Through his work with organisations like the Smoking and Vaping Board and the London Youth Games Youth Board, Yusuf has focused on creating healthier communities. His advocacy spans initiatives with Coram Voice, BEYOND, and World Class Schools Quality Mark, all aimed at empowering young people and addressing systemic inequalities. Yusuf’s extensive experience and dedication make him a strong advocate for creating a food system that prioritises accessibility, sustainability, and dignity for all.
