The expansion of free school meals to over 500,000 more children in England is a welcome step toward reducing food insecurity and tackling health inequalities.
Access to nutritious school meals is a critical factor in supporting children’s physical health, development, and learning, particularly for those most vulnerable. At ASO, we recognise that access to healthy food is also essential to preventing childhood obesity.
However, school food policy must be part of a broader, joined-up strategy – one that includes strong nutrition standards, better food education, family support, and robust evaluation of outcomes.
“At ASO, we know that obesity is driven by complex social and environmental factors. Policies like this can play a vital role in creating healthier foundations for children. However, they must be backed by long-term, joined-up action, high nutritional standards, better food education, and support for families. We also urge the Government to monitor and evaluate the impact of this policy on children’s health outcomes to ensure it delivers lasting change.”
This announcement is an important move, but for lasting impact, it must form part of a sustained national commitment – ensuring every child has access to nutritious food, at school and beyond.
