Nutrition and school lunches :Cross Stitch – Parents

In England your child could qualify for free meals or milk, or be given free fruit and vegetables at school. Local authorities must provide free lunches for eligible pupils, paid-for meals where requested and good facilities and supervision so pupils can eat safely.

All food provided by local authorities in England must meet national nutritional standards. These ensure that children are provided with a healthy, balanced diet. The standards, introduced in September 2006, require the following:

• high-quality meat, poultry or oily fish regularly available
• at least two portions of fruit and vegetables with every meal
• bread, other cereals and potatoes regularly available.

Additionally, there are controls on the following foods:

• deep-fried food limited to no more than two portions per week
• fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate and other confectioneries removed from school meals and vending machines.

Local authorities and schools can decide whether or not to provide milk. If they do, it must be free to children who are eligible for free shool meals.

All children under five who are in day care for two or more hours a day should be given a free drink of milk. This includes some four-year-olds in reception classes at primary schools. For children under one year old, it is given as infant formula.