Food and Drink
By 2020 the government would like all schools to be offering and promoting healthy, local and sustainable food and drink, produced on site (where possible), with strong commitments to the environment, social responsibility and animal welfare, and with increased opportunity to involve local suppliers.
Food and drink are major elements of school life. From tuck shops, breakfast clubs, school meals and water provision, to food technology, school gardens, food miles and farm link schemes. Food and drink contributes not only to pupil well-being, but also to pupil learning and attainment as a whole.
An unhealthy diet contributes to obesity and poor health, as well as poor pupil concentration and performance. Processed foods with high levels of additives and preservatives, along with sweets and sugary drinks are key factors contributing to this.
In contrast, a school that sources fresh, locally sourced, ethically produced, healthy produce can reverse these effects, whilst also protecting the environment and improving pupils understanding of food and where it comes from.
Curriculum
Schools can use the curriculum to cultivate the knowledge, values and skills needed to address the health and sustainability issues of food and drink, and reinforce this through positive activities in the school and in the local area.
Campus
Schools can review the impact of their food and drink choices on human health, the environment, the local economy and animal welfare, and work with suppliers to identify produce that meet the highest standards.
Community
Schools can use their school grounds, communications, services, contracts and partnerships to promote awareness of the wider impacts of food and drink choices among their stakeholders.
