Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.

From September 2008, all primary schools in England were required by law to meet the new food-based and nutrient-based standards for school food provision. The School Food Trust subsequently carried out a survey in England to assess the impact of the standards on catering provision and food selection and consumption by pupils eating a school lunch. In addition, the food consumption of pupils eating packed lunches was evaluated. Fieldworkers recorded the number of portions and portion weights of food served at lunchtime, the food choices of pupils and the weight of any food not eaten. Foods from packed lunches were weighed prior to consumption and leftover weights were recorded. Data was coded by nutritionists using the School Food Trust's version of the Food Standards Agency Nutrient Databank. Food data were recorded by food name and food code and with an associated nutrient profile. A nationally representative sample of 139 primary schools in England took part in the survey. Information on food provision at lunchtime was collected, along with food selection and consumption details of pupils aged 4-12 years having school lunches and eating packed lunches respectively. Questionnaires were also distributed to head teachers and caterers. The data were collected between February and April 2009, i.e. 6-8 months after the expectation that all primary schools catering provision would be fully compliant with the new standards for school food. The survey found that school lunches are substantially much healthier than when they were last surveyed in 2005, and that they were generally more healthy than packed lunches. Further information may be found on the School Food Trust website.

Main Topics:

Food provided and consumed in primary schools; packed lunches; food weight and nutrient content; school food provision, arrangements and catering management.

One-stage stratified or systematic random sample

Telephone interview