RISE (Reducing Inequalities in School Food Environments) is a new
UK-wide, UKRI-funded study investigating the provision, uptake and nutritional value of school meals.
In this blog, Lead Investigator Dr Sara Long explains how RISE will help Wales and other nations improve school food and better understand the roll-out of the Universal Free School Meals policy.
My research has always focussed on improving health, wellbeing and education outcomes of children and young people. I completed my doctoral studies in 2013 in Psychology and Nutrition, and since then I have led on and contributed to a range of major public health research projects, with a particular focus on policy evaluation and school health and wellbeing. These research paths have led me to RISE, which brings together public health, social sciences, school food and nutrition and the psychology of food choice
– all subjects I am passionate about, and from a personal perspective too, now I have a child of
primary school age.
A timely subject
So why is this study so important? Many families are struggling with the cost of living. Prices have risen, and often, less healthy food is cheaper and easier to access. Children living in the poorest areas often do not eat enough fruits, vegetables, and other foods that make up a healthy balanced diet. School meals are therefore a great opportunity to ensure all children have equal access to good nutrition.
But not enough is known about the nutritional content of food offered in schools. Not all children and families choose to take up school meals. For those that do, little is known about food choice and whether children eat the healthier items put on their plates. This research provides a unique opportunity to explore provision across the UK, so that lessons can be learned about how children and young people can be given the best foundations for healthy and happy lives.
This research provides a unique opportunity to explore the changes and impacts of introducing UFSM in schools.
In the UK, Wales is the only nation to offer Universal Free School Meals (UFSM) to all primary school children. At the moment, we do not know how to make sure the families and children who need healthy school meals the most opt-in to UFSM. This research provides a unique opportunity to explore the changes and impacts of introducing UFSM in schools. The aim is to support caterers and school staff to create the best meals for their schools; support schools to encourage take up of school food; and encourage children and families to make healthier choices.
A dream team
Another reason I’m excited to be working on RISE: It brings together experts in the field of public health and nutrition. Along with Co-Principal Investigator and DECIPHer colleague Dr Kelly Morgan, I’ll be working in partnership with colleagues who are paving the way in the school food sector from Cardiff University and beyond: Public Health Wales, LACA, Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Newcastle University, Queen’s University Belfast and Glasgow Caledonian University. As they say, the total is truly greater than the sum of its parts and this partnership represents an incredible opportunity and investment in the school food space – very exciting times.
The RISE team will share updates as the study progresses over the next three years. In the meantime, more information on the study and collaborators can be found below:
Cardiff University article: School meals the focus of new UK-wide study
UKRI article: Projects spanning the UK to tackle food inequality unveiled
