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School food has a vital role to play in children's health, wellbeing and learning.

Based on research with children, parents and school decision-makers, this report explores the growing gap between hunger and engagement, uncovering the opportunities and challenges facing school meals and highlighting how schools can create mealtimes that children genuinely look forward to.

Through the voices of those at the heart of school food, it offers valuable insights into the future of children's mealtime experiences in schools.

What's Inside the Guide?

1

School Meals Aren’t Meeting  Expectations

Why many children are hungry at lunchtime but not excited by school meals.

2

Designing Meals Children Want to Eat

Why taste, familiarity and appeal are just as important as nutrition.

3
The Experience
 Matters
 
How choice and engaging mealtime experiences can increase meal enjoyment.
4
The Parent Expectation
Gap
 
How parents’ expectations of school food are changing and becoming more demanding. 
5
What’s Holding Schools
Back?
 
The key barriers preventing schools from improving their meal offer.
6

Closing the Gap Between Hunger and Engagement

The actions needed to make school meals both nutritious and appealing.

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