About this episode
Sheila Dillon explores the overhaul of England's school food standards and the diverse opinions on improving school meals.
Sheila Dillon looks at the plans to overhaul England’s school food standards, from cutting back on fried food, puddings and processed meat to serving more fruit and veg. She hears from pupils, caterers and campaigners who all want better school meals, but don’t always agree on how to get there. With concerns about cost and practicality, she asks what these changes might really mean for schools trying to make them work, and what the School Food System in Japan might tell us about the nations health. Featuring interviews recorded at Penwortham Girls' High School in Preston; Anna Taylor from The Food Foundation; Writer Heather Parry; Luke Consiglio from caterers The Pantry; Belfast Paediatrican Dr Jonathan Henderson, chef and food writer Suzie Lee; Naomi Duncan from Chefs in Schools; and Colette Fox from ProVeg International. The consultation period for the new School Food Standards for England closes on June 12th 2026. Produced by Natalie Donovan for BBC Audio in Bristol
People in this episode
Host: Sheila Dillon
Guests: Anna Taylor, Heather Parry, Luke Consiglio, Dr Jonathan Henderson, Suzie Lee, Naomi Duncan, Colette Fox
Topics covered
- school food standards
- nutrition
- education
- health
- food policy
Keywords
- school meals
- food standards
- nutrition
- fruit and vegetables
- processed meat
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: The Food Foundation, The Pantry, Chefs in Schools, ProVeg International
Places: Penwortham Girls' High School, England, Japan
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