Dr Angus Holford and Prof. Birgitta Rabe (University of Essex) will present findings and launch the final report of their Nuffield Foundation funded research project on the impacts of Universal Free School Meal schemes in England. They looked at the impact of primary-age Universal Free School Meals - introduced in Newham, Islington, Southwark and Tower Hamlets since 2009 - on children's health and educational outcomes.
Angus and Birgitta will be joined by Dr Jennie Parnham (Imperial College London) and Dr Marie Murphy (University of Birmingham) for a research presentation on what we know about children’s nutritional intake in school hours, and Dr Hannah Brinsden (Food Foundation) on the impacts of the wider food system and cost of living crisis on children’s diets.
These will show that evidence on policies that do make a difference to improving children’s diets is becoming ever more valuable.
The event will conclude with a policy panel debate on how society can best ensure that all children have access to good nutrition. Can this be achieved by extending Free School Meal provision or is a universal set up critical? Would universal school breakfast clubs, or a permanent uplift to Universal Credit fill this gap? Or do we need to physically restrict the availability of some foods and bring others closer, and if so, how?
Confirmed speakers:
· Dr Angus Holford and Prof. Birgitta Rabe (University of Essex), on the impacts of Universal Free School Meal schemes in England.
· Dr Jennie Parnham (Imperial College London) and Dr Marie Murphy (University of Birmingham), experts on the food content of school meals and packed lunches.
· Dr Hannah Brinsden (Food Foundation), presents the 2023 Broken Plate report, on the effects of the cost of living crisis and state of the nation’s food system on children
Panel discussion chaired by Donna Ward, of the Strategic Policy Directorate at the Department for Education.
What policies work to support children's nutrition during the cost of living crisis?
- Kate Anstey, Head of Education Policy, Child Poverty Action Group
- Caroline Cerney, Director of Policy and Engagement, Bite Back
- Ben Gadsby, Head of Policy and Research, Impetus
- Jasmine Ali, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children, Southwark Council
This hybrid event will be held at the Nuffield Foundation in London with the option to watch the presentations and take part in the discussions online.
In-person guests are invited to arrive at the Nuffield Foundation for registration and a sandwich lunch from 13:00. The event will begin at 13.30, followed by a networking reception for those attending in-person, after the event at 15:30.
