Reducing Inequalities in School food Environments (RISE): Supporting provision, uptake and consumption of Free School Meals in primary schools

Context: 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. They are more likely to develop overweight or obesity. Local councils and schools can help by providing affordable and healthy school meals. Some areas are going one step further and making school meals free for all children, with the aim of improving take up of school food and access to a healthy diet. Challenge: Despite the school meal offer, we do not know enough 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. In the UK, Wales is the only nation to offer Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) to all primary school children. At the moment, we do not know how to make sure the families and children who need healthy school meals the most opt-in to UFSM. This research provides a unique opportunity to explore the changes and impacts of introducing UFSM in schools. Aims and objectives: First, we will work with school staff, local councils, caterers, public health experts and politicians to explore what food is provided at school, and what is chosen by families and learners. We will compare UK nations, which will help us transfer lessons from this work across the UK. Second, we will work with schools in two local authorities in Wales to study the content and nutrition of UFSM school menus, and to measure what is chosen and consumed by learners at school. We will also speak to children, their families, and school and canteen staff to unpick why learners and families choose the meals that they choose. This research will help us understand the types of food children are eating in school, and how this can support a healthy diet. Third, we will send surveys out to schools each year to ask questions about school food choices and to see changes over time. Finally, we will explore the best ways to improve the school food that is provided, how to increase take up of school meals, and how to support children and families to make healthier choices. Potential applications and benefits: To achieve good health as adults, it is vital that children eat a healthy, balanced diet from an early age. What children eat now can affect their likes, habits and food choices as they get older, impacting on health and wellbeing throughout life. This work will help us to 1) support caterers and school staff to create the best meals for their schools; 2) support schools to encourage take up of school food; and 3) encourage children and families to make healthier choices. Overall, this work will help Wales and other nations improve school food and better understand roll-out of UFSM policy.