Bite Back, which is a youth-led movement aiming to create a healthier future by challenging the food system in the UK,  has published a report looking into school food at secondary level. It surveyed over 1800 students and looked at 50 schools in England. Here are the findings:

• During morning break, 32% of students bought grab-and-go foods at least 3-4 times a week
• At lunchtime , 60% of students purchased grab and go foods at least once a week , with 40% at least 3-4 times per week.

It found that no school was fully compliant with the school food standards, and there is often heavy marketing of grab and go and soft drink offers. Grab and go options are also cheaper than main meals and often focus on carbohydrate-rich foods including pizza, pastries and chips.

Bite Back released a number of recommendations about the school food environment, as well as about updating the school food standards and endorsement.

The latter two have been announced by the government but the details have not yet been announced.