Nutritional requirements for food and drink in schools: consultation

Theme One – Increase access to fruit and vegetables

Introduction

Dietary data presented in the Scottish Health Survey 2016 tells us most children and young people are consuming far fewer portions of fruit and vegetables than is recommended within the Scottish Dietary Goals. The Scottish Ministers are committed to ensuring every pupil leaves school equipped with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to make better health choices and live longer, healthier lives free from avoidable, diet related conditions. The food and drink they are offered in school can have a big influence in habit setting which is why fruit and vegetables form part of the current school food and drink Regulations. We propose to amend the school food and drink Regulations to ensure it is easier for children and young people to access more fruit and vegetables as part of their school day.

In particular, we propose to amend the school food and drink Regulations to require a minimum of two portions of vegetables and a portion of fruit to be offered as part of a primary school lunch. In addition, full portions of fruit and/or vegetables must also be made available in any place within the school where food is provided, for example a tuckshop.

For secondary schools, we propose to amend the school food and drink Regulations to require two portions of vegetables and a portion of fruit to be offered as part of a full school lunch. In addition, where secondary pupils are choosing to take a main meal rather than a full lunch, that main meal must include salad or vegetables as part of the price. Full portions of fruit and/or vegetables must also be made available in any place within the school where food is provided for example a morning break service.

Question One

What are your views on our intention to amend the current school food and drink Regulations to ensure children and young people are able to access more fruit and vegetables as part of their school day.