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Robert Bloomfield

School food standards

Food served in some schools and academies in England must meet the school food standards so that children have healthy, balanced diets.

The school food standards apply to all maintained schools, and academies that were founded before 2010 and after June 2014. They must provide:

  • high-quality meat, poultry or oily fish
  • fruit and vegetables
  • bread, other cereals and potatoes

There can’t be:

  • drinks with added sugar, crisps, chocolate or sweets in school meals and vending machines
  • more than 2 portions of deep-fried, battered or breaded food a week

Read more about standards for school food in England.

Find out if your child can get free school meals.