Jamie Oliver calls for ‘proper provision’ of free school meals in foreword of report
The report titled ‘Fit for the Future: A Fair Deal on Food for a Healthier Britain’ calls on the UK Government to create a healthier food environment that will enable people to make healthier choices.
Over the past 70 years, obesity rates have risen to record levels in the UK. According to the report pre-packaged, convenient and ultra-processed food now makes up 57% of the average UK diet.
Nearly one-third of UK children aged two to 15-years-old are overweight or obese. The UK has the third-highest rate of adult obesity in Europe and obesity-related deaths have surpassed those caused by smoking.
In the foreword, Oliver said: “Free school meals for children is the fourth emergency service. If we give the 800,000 children who need one a free school meal, it will boost the economy by £8.9 billion over 20 years because well-fed children thrive at school.
“We know that poor diet is a risk factor for some horrendous conditions, including 13 types of cancer. Why should those living in deprived areas be even more likely to suffer because nutritious food isn’t accessible or affordable for them?
“This is why I launched my Ministry of Food – to try and put this agenda at the heart of Government, and why I’m delighted that the Tony Blair Institute is entering the arena to work alongside me to help shape the policy agenda for the country.
“We’re asking for proper provision of free school meals for those who need it, proper food education at school, proper protection from the relentless flood of junk food and proper food leadership in Government. And delicious, nutritious food available at affordable prices. What we need now is political leaders to make sure the Future of Britain is a future we can all be proud of.”
On Tuesday 18th July, Oliver spoke to world leaders, politicians and organisations at a Tony Blair Institute for Global Change event to ask for a future plan that puts children first. During the conversation he highlighted the importance of child health, food accessibility and education.
At the event Oliver named the three key changes he believed Britain must make to create a fair and healthy food system. Oliver said they were: "Free school lunches for the most vulnerable kids, protect our children against junk food advertising and if I had a wish for all of your children it would be that every child left school knowing how to cook ten recipes to save their life."