News

For the first time in over ten years the school food standards in England are being reviewed. The deadline to the consultation is 12th June 2026. Most changes are expected from September 2027 (secondary schools from September 2028).

The School Food People says it is ‘imperative’ members, clients and customers from across the sector, input into the consultation so that their views are understood by the Government. They engaged with the DFE throughout the pre-consultation process.

Brad Pearce, chair of The School Food People, commented: “It is important that everyone with an interest and part to play in school food - parent, teacher, governor, caterer, chef, headteacher take time to read the consultation and feed into the process. This is probably the last time for the next decade that we'll have the opportunity to influence. Your voices matter, make them heard, make them count.”

The School Food People, as industry representatives, wholeheartedly agree with the standards review, but there is a need to ensure that meals on offer to customers are affordable, acceptable, realistic and practical in their delivery.

One of The School Food People’s key concerns are that during the trials there was a drop off on the number of children who took up their school meal, accompanied by an increase in food cost.

This will undermine the point of the exercise if children instead turn to packed lunches in primary schools or in secondary schools if children leave the school at lunch to find unhealthy alternatives. Other key concerns include:

• In primary schools the reduction in dessert and the impact this will have on uptake.
• The additional funding impacts through increased cost of ingredients and transport.
• In secondary schools the reduced level of choices and the risk students buying food off site/bringing it into school and not monitored

To support members, The School Food People will be running an industry survey that will collate views. They will also be working with SchoolGrid to reach parents and front-line staff, to get their views on the proposed changes.

People can respond directly to the consultation through the DFE website. There are also dedicated one to one meetings available with DFE, where concerns can be expressed - if this interests you, please contact: Linda Price, Commercial Lead.

The School Food People members can access the webinar here. There will be another webinar panel discussion on Thursday 14th May 2026.