Cardiff Uni and LACA launch UK-wide study of school meals

Academics at Cardiff University have partnered with the Local Authority Caterers Association (LACA) on a three-year study to examine the provision, uptake and consumption of school meals across the UK.

The £1.6m project is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and aims to assess whether universal free school meals deliver on the goal of providing children with a healthy, balanced diet.

Researchers will collaborate with school staff, local councils, caterers, public health experts and politicians in all four UK nations to investigate what food is offered in schools and what children actually eat. They will also work closely with two Welsh local authorities to analyse the nutritional content of menus and monitor pupils’ choices.

The study is being carried out in partnership with Public Health Wales, Newcastle University, Queen’s University Belfast and Glasgow Caledonian University, with input from the Children’s Commissioner for Wales.

Sara Long, researcher at Cardiff University and principal investigator on the study, said: “Many families are struggling with the cost of living. Prices have risen, and often, less healthy food is cheaper and easier to access.

“Children living in the poorest areas often do not eat enough fruits, vegetables, and other foods that make up a healthy balanced diet. School meals are therefore a great opportunity to ensure all children have access to good nutrition.”

She added: “But not enough is known about the nutritional content of food offered in schools. Not all children and families choose to take up school meals. For those that do, little is known about food choice and whether children eat the healthier items put on their plates.”

Researchers will interview school staff, parents, carers and pupils to explore what shapes provision, uptake and consumption of school meals. The findings will be used to develop recommendations for improving school food and encouraging healthier eating habits.

Kevin Morgan, professor at Cardiff University’s School of Geography and Planning, said: “As the only UK nation to have fully rolled out universal free school meals to all state-funded primary schools, Wales is a fitting place to host a UKRI-funded project on the provision, uptake and consumption of universal free school meals.”