Government announces universal free school meals for Reception to Year 2

17 Sep 2013

Today the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, announced that the Government will fund schools in England to provide every child in reception, year 1 and year 2 with a hot, healthy meal at lunchtime.

Universal free school meals for primary school pupils was a key recommendation of the School Food Plan launched in July this year.

A message from Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent:

“This is ground-breaking stuff. It’s brilliant news for anyone interested in the health and education of children and the thousands of people who have been involved in contributing to the School Food Plan. This was the only Government action outstanding from when we launched it in July. It will help revolutionise our children’s diets and means that millions more will have access to healthier, tastier food, making them happier, more fulfilled and better at concentrating through the day.

“But we can’t stop here. We must make the most of this opportunity. And so we urge all headteachers, parents and everyone involved in school food to download and read the Plan. It’s just a few clicks away on www.schoolfoodplan.com. And it’s quite a racy read. It won’t put you to sleep. The Plan is full of advice for schools and Headteachers, showing them how best to serve the highest quality food in their canteens.

“At the start of the school food plan project, we imagined a new, Golden Age of school food, where well-trained, fulfilled cooks serve flavourful, fresh food to at least 70% of all pupils.  With today’s announcement we are one big stride closer to that ideal.”