What can be done to encourage secondary school pupils to buy a complete meal instead of several cakes and drinks?
The standards do not prevent pupils from buying individual items for their lunch. Although schools can have policies in place that prevent pupils from buying individual items (e.g. cakes) most schools operate a ‘cafeteria’ style system allowing pupils to select individual items to make up their lunch. The Trust recommends the use of nutrient-dense meal deals to encourage pupils to select a complete balanced meal at lunchtime. Meal deals offering pupils the chance to select a main meal (or cold alternative), pudding and drink for a set price (in line with the value of a free school meal) can make it easier for food provision to meet the final food-based and nutrient-based standards. The Trust has worked with six schools to pilot the introduction of meal deals using a whole school approach. Case studies and details of the menu changes made and meal deals introduced are available from the Million Meals section of the website.
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?
- Do school officials have to complete the Secondary School Report or can they substitute other items, such as letters of recommendation?
- What can educators and parents do to encourage self-determination among secondary school students?
