Recent studies consistently highlight the superior nutritional quality of school meals compared to packed lunches across the UK. Despite the introduction of universal primary free school meals in Wales last year, approximately 30% of primary school children still opt for packed lunches. This means that more than 70,000 children are missing out on free and nutritious school meals in the middle of the school day.

Research on packed lunches suggests they typically pack between an estimated average of 61 and 94 extra calories compared to school meals which meet the Welsh government’s nutrition standards. The cumulative effect of this extra intake over the school year and across the population could be contributing to the escalating rates of overweight and obesity among Welsh children.

In response, last year we teamed up with Cardiff Council, Caerphilly County Borough Council, and Torfaen County Borough Council to pilot various initiatives targeting parents and pupils. The goal? Boosting the uptake of free school meals and steering more Welsh children towards a nutritionally balanced midday meal containing less fat, salt and sugar than typical packed lunches.