Government Urged to Prioritise British Farm Produce in Free School Meals Expansion

The expansion of free school meals in England presents a vital opportunity to support British farmers and put fresh, local produce on children’s plates, according to the Soil Association.

With the government planning to roll out an additional 500,000 free school meals, the food and farming charity has urged ministers to ensure that the scheme benefits the nation’s growers as well as pupils.

The Soil Association said the move offers a clear chance for the Prime Minister to deliver on his pledge to improve public sector food procurement, by sourcing more food from UK farms.

The charity also highlighted that many schools are already leading the way in this area by buying directly from local producers, thereby boosting regional economies and cutting food miles.

Campaigners argue that integrating more UK-grown food into the public sector will not only strengthen farming communities but also improve children’s diets by increasing access to fresh, seasonal ingredients.

The call comes amid growing concern over food security and the financial pressures faced by British farmers, who are grappling with rising input costs and changes to trade and subsidy regimes.

Supporters of the proposal believe that aligning the school meals expansion with local sourcing policies could deliver long-term benefits – from more resilient supply chains to improved public health outcomes.

The Soil Association is now calling on the government to ensure that its commitment to feeding children goes hand in hand with a commitment to backing British farmers.

Source: Farmers Guardian