CPAG welcomes tougher standards for school food

Responding to the publication of new minimum nutrition standards for school food published by Education Secretary Alan Johnson today, Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) Chief Executive Kate Green said:

"For many children, particularly those living in poverty, school lunch may be the only proper hot meal they get each day. So we are pleased that the Government is introducing tougher nutritional standards and ending the sale of junk food in vending machines and tuck shops. If we can make school meals healthier and more nutritious millions of children will benefit.

"At the same time as improving the quality of school meals, we must also extend entitlement. Many families who are entitled to free school meals do not claim them and many children who live in poverty do not qualify in the first place.

“Universal free school meals would ensure that all children get at least one healthy meal each day. The investment that's needed now could be saved in years to come as children become healthier and as the rise in obesity is curbed."

For further information from CPAG please contact:
Alex Belardinelli
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
abelardinelli@cpag.org.uk