News

Coronavirus: Concern that children on free school meals are missing out on on healthy food

Children on free school meals are eating 'significantly' less fruit and vegetables since the lockdown and are missing meals, a study has found.
Children are eating 'substantially' more crisps, chocolates and sweets during the lockdown
Children are eating 'substantially' more crisps, chocolates and sweets during the lockdown

Around half of children who received free school meal vouchers are eating significantly less fruit and vegetables since schools closed for lockdown in March, a report by Northumbria University’s Healthy Living Lab has found.

Before school closures children reported eating, on average, just over one portion of fruit per day. During the three-day reporting period during lockdown, almost half of the children (45 per cent) said they had not eaten any fruit, with the remaining children eating an average of half a portion of fruit per day.

The report, ‘The Free School Meal Voucher Scheme: What are children actually eating and drinking?’, found similar results in the children’s responses on the amount of vegetables they had eaten.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included

  • Free access to 4 subscriber-only articles per month

  • Unlimited access to news and opinion

  • Email newsletter providing activity ideas, best practice and breaking news

Register

Already have an account? Sign in here