How do we assess food provision against the nutrient-based standards for school lunches when we have a number of outlets?
Caterers in schools should capture all food and drink provision which they deem to be part of lunch. This includes items such as ‘grab and go’ bags that may be sold during morning break, but eaten as lunch. The food from all outlets used at lunchtime should also be included in the nutrient analysis. To calculate the number of lunches provided, the till receipts for all outlets providing food at lunchtime should be added together, and the total amount divided by the value of a free school meal. The nutrient content of an average school meal would then be calculated by dividing the total nutrient content provided by all outlets, by the number of pupils eating lunch.
