School dinners in England have been compromised by political and economic pressures for nearly 50 years, according to a new report. The issue gained national attention in 2005 when Jamie Oliver's documentary series exposed the poor quality of school food, leading to government pledges to improve nutrition.
Margaret Thatcher's 1980 Education Act removed minimum nutritional requirements, and later compulsory competitive tendering prioritised cost over quality. Nutritional standards were restored under Labour in 2009, but subsequent policies, including academy exemptions and the abolition of the school lunch grant in 2011, undermined progress.
The Covid pandemic exacerbated the problem, with 77% of schools shortening lunch breaks and 44% offering less healthy options. Rising food and staffing costs have further pushed suppliers towards cheaper, less nutritious dishes.
Labour ministers are now reviewing school food standards, aiming to raise the healthiest generation of children. However, campaigners argue that enforcement is weak. D'Arcy Williams, chief executive of Bite Back, said: 'No one is clearly responsible for enforcing school food standards – in practice, they're not being enforced at all.'
Proposals to improve compliance include expanding Ofsted's remit, involving the Food Standards Agency, or empowering school governors. The goal is to ensure pupils are offered healthy food, not junk.
