More than 20 years ago Jamie Oliver, the UK chef and activist, was outraged that there were standards for dog food but not for school dinners. A generation later, there are now not only government standards but also a monitoring program to ensure that they are followed.
As he said in announcing the change, “Well-fed kids are happier, have more energy and fewer days off school due to sickness, and their learning and behaviour improve, too ...
It’s no surprise that 80% of teachers agree that unhealthy food at lunch and breaktime can lead to disruptive behaviour, and 85% say diet affects pupils’ ability to concentrate”.
As we have said for over 35 years, and have demonstrated time and time again in FIVE school trials:
The Palmer's Island primary school trial in northern NSW (4:51)
The Nana Glen primary school trial in NSW (3:07, thanks to Channel 9 Today Tonight)
Food trial at an Adelaide school (ABC TV)
Two week additive-free trial at Cooma North Primary School in 2007 (3:25)
Two week trial at another Adelaide school (Thanks to Channel 7) (6:10)
However we are still waiting for any acceptance and action in Australia and New Zealand on this critically important issue.
Original story: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/19/school-dinners-campaign-children-government-announcement-food-standards
Latest blog: How to improve NAPLAN - diet!