London schools ditch junk food

Released 22/07/2011

New figures show that half of London's boroughs are signed up to Food for Life's healthy eating scheme in their schools

London kids eating better

New figures show that half of London's boroughs are serving health, ethical and environmentally sustainable meals to their schools' pupils.

Meal providers in these boroughs have proved that they meet the Food for Life Catering Mark's Bronze or Silver award, a benchmark for quality catering in schools.

To achieve these awards, caterers are expected to source ethical and environmentally sustainable food, champion local food producers and make it easier for pupils to eat healthily.

Schools enrolled with the Food for Life Partnership (FFLP) promote a whole-school approach, which aims to transform food culture and connect children with the environment and source of their food.

Schools are encouraged to grow their own food, teach pupils and parents to cook for themselves and visit a farm.

In Richmond, the local campaigning group School Food Matters worked to get schools signed up to the FFLP scheme and helped the council retender school meals to secure a Silver standard award, at the same time as making savings of up to 40p per meal.

The capital struggles with obesity

The news follows a report, Tipping the Scale by the London Assembly, which found that child obesity costs the capital £7.1m a year to treat and that rates of childhood obesity are higher in London than any other English region.

The FFLP, supported by celebrity chef and food campaigner Jamie Oliver, has published independent evidence which showed that by ditching Turkey Twizzlers and taking part in the scheme, schools can have improved results and behaviour and reduced obesity.

The UK has the highest rate of childhood obesity in Europe, according to the FFLP, with almost a quarter of adults and about one in 10 children classed as obese and a further 20-25% of children overweight.

Libby Grundy, director of the FFLP, points to evidence from the University of West England shows that the Food for Life Partnership has made a positive difference to improving diet and this in turn is having a knock-on effect on behaviour and attainment.

"These latest figures are great news showing that London schools are now getting the healthy eating habit," she said.

Rosie Boycott, chair of London Food, commented: "Hats off to the Food for Life Partnership for championing healthier eating in London's schools.

"We have been encouraging schools to grow their own through our Capital Growth scheme and I believe strongly that when kids grow fruit and veg themselves, it kick starts an enthusiasm for healthy eating."

Working with FFLP had a great impact on tackling obesity at London's Carshalton Boys Sports College, for example, where the percentage of obese pupils fell from 10% in 2002 to just over two per cent in 2010 and exam results increased from 32% 5 GCSE A*-C to over 90% in the same period.

"This really demonstrates how nutrition and healthy life choices play a key part in supporting academic achievement," commented assistant headteacher, David Hall.

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