School food reforms move a step closer as government confirms standards overhaul
Photograph: SolStock/iStockphoto
Jenny Varnam
NFU Senior Adviser (Food Service & Procurement)
With major reforms to England’s School Food Standards on the way, NFU Food Business Unit Senior Adviser Jenny Varnam explains the opportunities this could bring for British farmers and the NFU’s work to secure a place for home-grown produce in healthier school meals.
Revised standards
The government has confirmed it will press ahead with a major update to England’s School Food Standards, with new regulations expected to be laid before Parliament in October 2026 and introduced from September 2027, subject to approval.
The reforms largely reflect proposals outlined in the earlier consultation and could create new opportunities for British farmers to supply into schools.
The revised standards place a stronger emphasis on fruit, vegetables, fibre-rich foods and a broader range of protein sources, while tightening restrictions on sugar, highly processed foods and HFSS (high in saturated fat, sugar and salt) products.
New breakfast standards will also be introduced, extending nutritional requirements beyond lunchtime provisions.
Opportunity for UK agriculture
For UK agriculture, the changes signal growing demand for fresh produce, pulses and quality protein ingredients. The government has confirmed requirements for all main meals to contain a protein source, alongside stronger expectations around fruit and vegetable provision throughout the school day.
”With implementation now on the horizon, the NFU will continue to monitor developments closely and lobby to ensure farmers can play a role in supplying into the next generation of healthier school meals.”
NFU Food Business Unit Senior Adviser Jenny Varnam
Engagement with procurement teams
The consultation response also highlights the importance of implementation support, with schools, caterers and suppliers given time to adapt procurement arrangements, contracts and menus before the new standards take effect.
Most measures will begin in September 2027, while some secondary school requirements will be phased in from September 2028.
For farmers, the next phase presents an opportunity to engage with school caterers and procurement teams as menus evolve. Increased demand for wholegrain ingredients, vegetables, pulses, dairy products and British meat could help strengthen links between local agriculture and public sector food procurement.
NFU asks on school policy
The NFU has consistently argued that school food policy should deliver health benefits while supporting domestic food production.
As guidance is developed over the coming months, there will be further opportunities to make the case for sourcing high-quality British food that meets nutritional standards, delivers value for taxpayers and helps pupils understand where their food comes from.
With implementation now on the horizon, the NFU will continue to monitor developments closely and lobby to ensure farmers can play a role in supplying into the next generation of healthier school meals.
