Today, the Government has announced new School Food Standards for England, a major step towards making sure every child has access to nutritious food that fuels them so they can thrive.

This is a big moment!

For more than six years, Bite Back campaigners have been speaking out about the food served in England schools and pushing for change. Thousands of young people from across the country also joined us to share their experiences and ideas through the Government's consultation on new School Food Standards.

Today confirms the Government has listened.

Young people know better than anyone what food at school is really like. That’s why their voices have been at the heart of Bite Back’s campaign for better school food.

From sharing their experiences and speaking directly to decision makers, to campaigning for stronger standards and responding to the Government's consultation, young people have consistently called for school food that supports their health.

What is changing?

Under the new School Food Standards

• New breakfast standards will help ensure children have access to a healthy balanced offer at the start of the school day.
• Schools will be required to offer more high fibre wholegrains and pulses such as lentils and chickpeas.
• A portion of vegetables or salad will need to accompany or be incorporated into every main meal, which includes grab-and-go and meal deals.
• Deep fried foods will no longer be permitted and foods high in fat and salt will be limited.
• Sugary drinks will no longer be permitted and high sugar foods and sweetened desserts will be limited.

Schools will also be expected to publish their food policies and menus online and nominate a school food governor, giving pupils, parents, guardians and communities greater visibility of the food being served.

The work doesn't stop here.

This is a win worth celebrating. Young people have been calling for stronger School Food Standards for years and today shows what can happen when their voices are heard.

But new standards on paper are only the beginning.

Schools need the right support, training and resources to put them into practice. There also needs to be an access for monitoring how the standards are being delivered and taking action if they’re not being upheld. Today’s announcement takes steps toward both of these objectives. Bite Back will be on hand to see them through.

We will continue working alongside young people, schools, Government and our partners to help turn today’s announcement into real, meaningful change in school canteens across England.

Because every young person deserves school food that helps them thrive.

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