BBC’s The One Show caught up with the RISE team last week as Principal Investigator Dr Sara Long discussed what researchers are learning about free school meals and family experiences across Wales.
Reducing Inequalities in School Food Environments is a Cardiff University and DECIPHer led study examining what difference free school meals are making to children’s lives across Wales.
Free school meals are now part of daily life for thousands of children across Wales, and RISE is helping to understand what difference this policy is making in practice. The team is gathering experiences from children, parents, teachers and decision-makers across Wales.
Making her second appearance on the programme, Dr Long shared emerging insights into the factors shaping children’s eating behaviours both inside and outside school. Speaking to viewers across the UK, she highlighted how food choices are influenced by family experiences, peer relationships, individual preferences and the resources available to schools.
A key focus of the research is understanding how free school meals affect children’s diets, family life and long-term health. Wales is one of the first UK nations to introduce free school meals for all primary school children. As other parts of the UK consider similar approaches, interest in the findings is growing beyond Wales.
“One of the next big things we’ll be exploring is whether children are eating more healthful foods. We’ll also be looking at the impact this has had on families and whether it’s had a positive effect on household finances”.
After two years of working with schools across Wales, researchers are starting to hear about the realities of free school meals, from what children choose to eat to the difference the policy can make for families at home.
The RISE project will continue until March 2028, with further findings expected over the coming months.
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