Less pupils opting for school meals

Since Jamie's School Dinners was screened two years ago there has been a 20% fall in the uptake of secondary school meals. Reportedly only about four in ten pupils choose to eat their lunches – the lowest level since 1944 according latest figures by the Local Authorities Catering Association. Older pupils especially are rejecting healthy meals in favour of packed lunches or takeaways.

However a spokeswoman for LACA places blame on government: 'There’s definitely a drop in secondary school meal numbers. It’s not because of Jamie Oliver but because of changes in Government regulations on school foods since 2006. There has been a withdrawal and banning of some foods, such as fizzy drinks.

'From September, all school food will be affected by new regulations. Homemade biscuits and cakes will no longer be available as snacks, instead there will be bread-based products. At the moment it’s early days and children are reacting. We’ve got to have a realistic approach to this. I think the numbers will rise in the long term.'

• Ask Our Experts - Your Questions Answered
• This Week's News
• What Our Members Are Discussing Today