Shared Publications
Healthy School Meals and Educational Outcomes
| Author | Belot M and James J |
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| Publisher | Institute for Social and Economic Research, University of Essex |
| Description |  A report which presents the findings of a research study which aimed to explore the impact of a healthy school meals policy on educational and other outcomes. The research took place in one London borough – Greenwich – which had been the subject of a ‘Feed Me Better’ campaign by the TV chef Jamie Oliver. This campaign introduced substantial changes in the meals offered by the borough’s schools, with a shift away from low budget, processed meals towards healthier food. The researchers used the National Pupil Database to compare educational outcomes in Greenwich with those in neighbouring boroughs which had not been involved in the campaign. The research identified positive effects associated with the ‘Feed Me Better’ campaign, for instance it is estimated to have increased the percentage of pupils reaching level four by thee to six percentage points in English. In addition, there was a substantial decrease in absenteeism in Greenwich schools after the campaign.
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| Link(s) | http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/rsgateway/DB/RRP/u015325/index.shtml |