A Better Deal for Free School Meals
The Food Foundation and University of York worked with students from seven secondary schools from around Yorkshire to explore whether the Free School Meal allowance enables students to get tasty, healthy and sustainable food at school.
Forty-two students, aged 13 to 16, spent a week doing research in their own schools. This report sheds a light on the daily experiences within the school food system of those who receive Free School Meals.
Written in collaboration with the young researchers and school staff, it is crucial reading for anyone interested in food in schools.
Key findings
In four out of seven schools no fruit was purchased by young researchers over the entire week
Many students buy ‘grab and go’ items like pizza slices that contain no vegetables at all to avoid the long queues for hot food
Buying a snack or drink at breaktime means students can’t afford a full meal at lunchtime
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