Teens vote with their feet and shun Jamie's dinners

New research shown to the Independent today (24 May 2007) suggests that the great school meal revolution spearheaded by chef Jamie Oliver has failed to inspire a large section of kids. A survey of 1442 pupils at secondary schools by food manufacturer McCains found that more than a quarter of those surveyed eat school dinners less often than before the new nutritional standards were introduced. And one in five of the pupils who do eat the school dinners said that the choice offered was poor, bad value and bland.

The McCains research contradicts a similar survey conducted by The School Food Trust which is also due for publication. The Trust's survey, conducted with 68% of local authorities, found that although 30% of schools were reporting a decline in secondary school pupils eating school dinners, a further 30% reported an increase.

A spokesperson for McCains said that the decline in school meals uptake since schools moved to healthier menus was having a serious effect on children from poorer families who relied on the meals as their one substantial meal of the day; 'It's too much, too fast,' said Bill Bartlett. 'This culture-change idea may work in Notting Hill, but not in a secondary school in Nottingham.'

Do you agree? What are your experiences of school dinners since the 'Jamie' effect? Talk about it on our forums here.

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