Sharing good practice on the promotion of healthy eating in schools

This research project was carried out as part of the remit of two ESRC Internships. The aim was to identify and share different practices initiated by local authorities to promote healthy eating in schools.  In addition there was particular interest in any existing local research or evaluations of these initiatives, whether funded by the local authority or jointly with for example a health board. 

The research topic was selected in the context of the following issues:

• The recently signed Concordat between the Scottish Government and local authorities (COSLA) which sets out a framework for a new relationship based on mutual respect and partnership.
• The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) Act (2007) which places new duties on local authorities in relation to health promotion, healthy eating and the nutritional requirements of food within schools.  
• The current National Discussion on Food which is raising a number of issues pertinent to school meals and healthy eating in schools.  
• The Hungry for Success policy initiative which has sought to revitalise the school meals service, setting benchmarks for nutritional standards for school meals and enforcing and monitoring performance management standards for schools.