Schools should serve better meat and dairy options

A new survey from charity Eating Better found that 78 per cent want healthier food in schools and hospitals, and that the public sector procurement can help achieve ‘better’ meat and dairy being served in schools and hospitals.

The survey of 1,700 adults aimed to gain attitudes towards reducing meat consumption, the barriers that stand in the way, and the actions that which will enable change.

The charity says that while awareness of the issues surrounding meat production and consumption is high, as is the willingness to reduce meat intake, slow progress is being made on reducing meat consumption.

The report says that better public procurement can help tackle food insecurity. A commitment made by Labour during their election manifesto to half of all food purchased across the public sector to be locally produced or ‘certified to higher environmental standards’. People agree that the public sector can create a market for ‘better’ meat and dairy through revised menus in schools and hospitals.

The survey revealed that 65 per cent agreed that ingredients known to cause health problems, such as processed meat, should not be served in schools and hospitals, and 72 per cent want 'better' food in these organisations, such as higher welfare options.

Eighty-four per cent think that sourcing UK grown food for schools and hospitals is a good way to support our farmers.

Sarah Wakefield, executive director of Eating Better, said: “Over the past decade, the Eating Better alliance has been laser focused on the role of less and better meat in the shift towards healthy and sustainable diets.

“The public are becoming increasingly aware of the impact of meat production and consumption, but are not finding it easy to buy less and better. We encourage food businesses and the Government to make it simple for citizens to make this shift while supporting farmers in a just transition.”