A new era for school dinners

Healthy school food should be plant‑based – a chance to put plants at the heart of the plate

England’s school food standards are getting their biggest overhaul in more than a decade. From September 2027, schools will have new requirements designed to increase fruit, vegetables, fibre and pulses while reducing foods high in fat, sugar and salt.

In May, the Government consulted on new proposals to improve school meals. Viva! made our voice heard, calling for healthier, more plant‑based food for children. We spoke – they listened!

In a big win for plants: schools no longer have to serve meat or poultry more than three days a week; beans, lentils and chickpeas can now count instead. That’s a significant step forward. It recognises that plant foods aren’t just an alternative to meat – they can provide the protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals children need to grow, thrive and stay healthy.

The new standards will mean more pulse‑based meals in schools. Vegetarian meals containing pulses must be offered three days a week, with pulses also included in other main meals at least once a week.

Schools will be encouraged to make meat-free meals varied, using pulses, soya, tofu and mycoprotein‑based meat alternatives – and to encourage all pupils to have at least one meat‑free day each week.

Beans, lentils, chickpeas, peas, wholegrains, vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds can form the basis of delicious, filling school meals – from hearty chilli and dhal to vegetable curries, pasta dishes and colourful grain bowls. And this isn’t about boring food. Schools are already showing that tasting new foods can get children excited about eating well. One school introduced ‘Try it Tuesday’ and family taster sessions – and reports that pupils are now genuinely excited about lunchtimes.

The case for change is urgent. The Government points to the fact that one in three children leave primary school overweight or living with obesity, while tooth decay remains a major cause of hospital admissions among five‑ to nine‑year‑olds. Parents are also asking for more fruit and vegetables and less fatty and sugary food.

Every child deserves the chance to enjoy delicious, nutritious fully plant‑based (vegan) food at school – with calcium‑fortified plant milks available and fruit‑led or low‑sugar plant‑based desserts the norm, not special requests.

The Government has opened the door to more plant-based school food. Now we need to push it wider.

The future of school food should be plant-powered.