Right now, decisions are being made that will shape what children eat in schools for years to come. The Government is currently consulting on updates to School Food Standards, which are the rules that shape what children consume during the school day. We have a rare opportunity to influence a system that plays a vital role in the health, wellbeing and future of children and young people across the city.

At Feeding Liverpool, we strongly believe that good school food is essential. For many children, food eaten at school forms a significant part of their daily diet. It supports not only physical health, but also concentration, behaviour and the ability to learn and thrive. School food is also one of the most effective ways to tackle food insecurity and reduce inequalities, ensuring that every child has access to nutritious, balanced meals regardless of background.

The need for change is clear. National data shows that children are currently consuming around twice the recommended amount of free sugars, whilst more than 90% of children are not getting enough fibre in their diets. This is shaping long-term health outcomes from an early age.

At the same time, over one in ten children children begin primary school living with obesity, rising to more than one in five by the end of their time there. In Liverpool, the picture is even more stark, with almost one in three Year Six pupils classified as overweight or obese. This reflects wider inequalities across the city, with over a third of children living in low-income families. Food insecurity also continues to be a growing issue across the region, with increasing demand for food support and many families struggling to afford healthy food. In this context, school food is not just important, but essential infrastructure for children’s health and wellbeing.

The current standards have not been meaningfully updated for over a decade. In that time, our understanding of nutrition has evolved, the challenges facing families have intensified and the role of schools in supporting children’s wellbeing has grown. This consultation is an important chance to refresh the system so that it better reflects today’s needs, from reducing sugar and increasing fibre, to recognising the importance of breakfast clubs and the wider school day. Stronger school food standards, backed by the right support, can play a vital role in improving children’s health and reducing inequalities across our communities.

We know that change on paper does not automatically translate into change in practice, but the experience of schools, families, caterers and organisations working on the ground across Liverpool are essential to shaping standards that are both ambitious and deliverable. That is why it is so important that as many people as possible take part in the consultation and share their experiences.

Alonsgide this, Feeding Liverpool is launching a new piece of work focused on understanding and strengthening school food across the region. We want to build a clearer picture of what is working well, where the challenges lie and how schools can be collectively supported to provide the best possible food for children. This will include working closely with our network to ensure that any new standards are supported by the resources needed for success.

If you are a school, caterer, parent, community organisation or anyone with an interest in children’s health and food, now is the moment to to make your voice heard. Feeding Liverpool will be contributing to the consultation, but your insight and lived experiences are vital in shaping a system that works for everyone. Together, we can help to ensure that every child has access to the nutritious food they need to learn, grow and thrive.

• Find the consultation and more details about it can be found on the Government website.
• If you would like support or guidance in responding to the consultation, or would like to be involved in our upcoming work on school food, get in touch with Hannah.