The education secretary has announced that a review is to be carried out on school lunches served by schools in England. Michael Gove has selected the men responsible for the Leon chain of restaurants, John Vincent and Henry Dimbleby to carry out the review. The review is being launched as concerns continue about the standards of school food. However, Jamie Oliver believes that a review will delay progress for at least a year and has called for immediate action from the government.
A campaign was started seven years ago by Jamie Oliver, to improve the quality of food served to children in school lunches. Oliver has spoken out over his concerns that this latest review is “destined to be ignored” by government ministers. However, Oliver did say that he believed Dimbleby and Vincent would produce a thorough report on school meals, although he added:
“Now is not the time for more costly reports. Now is the time for action and that doesn’t seem to be what we get from Mr Gove when it comes to school food and food education. This just delays action for another year or more.”
Another concern of Oliver was that the review will be carried out at a school which has a caterer on-site, making fresh lunches. The school of choice also has a kitchen garden. According to Jamie Oliver, this is not typical of most schools in England although it should be a priority for all schools.
An action plan will be produced by Dimbleby and Vincent to show how schools can improve the standards of school meals. Mr Gove admits there is more to be done, although school dinners have improved during the last few years. Research produced by the School Food Trust reveals that an average of 1.6 portions of vegetables and fruit are consumed by children of primary school age with their school meal. At least two portions are eaten by 35 percent. Less fruit and vegetables are eaten at school meals by children at secondary schools.
