Do the regulations specify what should be included in a free school meal? Does it have to consist of a complete meal, or can pupils select individual items?
The School Food Regulations (2007) do not require pupils receiving free school meals to select a complete meal (i.e. a main course, dessert and drink) and they may select individual items from the lunchtime provision in the same way a pupil paying for their lunch is able to. However, we would encourage schools and catering providers to promote meal deals (containing either a hot main course, cold main course or sandwich along with a dessert option and a drink) to encourage all pupils to select a balanced lunch rather than individual items. This will also help the overall lunchtime provision to meet the nutrient-based standards for school lunches. Meal deals should be priced at or below the value of a free school lunch, to enable pupils who qualify for free school lunches to select them. The value of a free school lunch should also be sufficient to allow pupils to select a lunch that meets the food-based and nutrient-based standards (for example containing a portion of fruit and a porti
Related Questions
- Do the regulations specify what should be included in a free school meal? Does it have to consist of a complete meal, or can pupils select individual items?
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- If I received a free or reduced priced meal last school year, do I need to complete a new application?
