DAUK’s sustainability team have contributed to the Welsh Government’s consultation to shape the future of school meals in Wales.
The Healthy Eating in Schools consultation seeks views on proposed changes to the food and drink served in primary schools. These changes aim to ensure that every child in Wales has access to a balanced, nutritious diet during the school day.
Evidence shows that many children in Wales consume too much sugar and not enough fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains – contributing to rising levels of childhood obesity. One in four reception-aged children in Wales is currently classified as overweight or obese.
Under the new proposals, school menus would include more fruit and vegetables, limit sugary desserts and fried foods, and align with UK dietary guidelines. The goal is to promote healthy eating habits, improve children’s health and wellbeing, and support their learning and development.
DAUK’s sustainability lead Dr Matt Lee said: “The Welsh Government’s proposal on healthy eating in schools is a step in the right direction, but it simply does not go far enough. In our response to these proposals, we’ve highlighted key issues that we feel haven’t been adequately addressed, namely the lacking limitations on red and processed meat, and encouraging the consumption of a whole-food plant-based diet.”
“Livestock production is responsible for 14.5% of global anthropogenic emissions as well as being a driving force behind excessive land use, deforestation, and biodiversity loss. Shifting away from the meat-based food industry is crucial to lowering the environmental burden of food production and should be reflected in the Government’s plan. Moreover, reducing red and processed meat in schools is vital to tackling pressing health concerns such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and obesity.”
We have recommended that the Welsh Government, at minimum, should offer a fully plant-based meal option every day, with 50% of school days providing whole-food plant-based meals. We believe this could be a key opportunity to help in changing current food systems to become better for our health and our planet and encourage Welsh Government to take more ambitious steps to safeguard children’s futures.
