The government’s expansion of free school meals is a chance to give British farmers a £600m boost, new research has shown.
With 12 months to go until all children in households receiving Universal Credit in England become eligible for free school meals, the report, called Follow the Carrot, reveals it could be a game-changer for both children and farms.
Published by Sustain, Bremner & Co and the Ampney Brook Foundation, with support from Impact on Urban Health, the report claims the surge in demand could unlock huge investment in British farming, with the sourcing of vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, potatoes and other ingredients from British growers.
It said the move would help the government hit its target of 50% local, sustainable and British produce in public sector food.
However, the report’s authors warned the opportunity would be lost without decisive government action, with the impact depending on investment in local supply chains and procurement infrastructure, and stronger support for catering teams to deliver higher-quality food.
Report co-author Myles Bremner, former director of the School Food Plan, said: “The government has set a great ambition of getting more British veg in our schools – a real win-win-win for our farmers and growers, for our kids’ health, and for sustainability.
“But we need to make sure the school food system is resilient and able to cope with more fresh produce in our kitchens. That means proper kitchens, well-trained staff, and appropriate funding.
“We’re on the brink of the most important expansion of school meals in a generation,” added Barbara Crowther, children’s food campaign manager at Sustain, which commissioned the research.
“Investing in school meals is a win-win for children, farmers, and the economy.”
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