Sharon was delighted when the previous Government announced it would run pilots of "Free School Meals for all" in a number of Local Authorities. Unfortunately the new Government has scrapped this pledge, so Sharon is now fighting to try to change their mind..

The labour Government’s announcement followed over two years of campaigning by Sharon which has seen her gain front page press coverage in national newspapers and across the internet. A selection of these articles is available below. Sharon’s work with the Children’s Food Campaign has led to the creation of a role for a full time School Food Campaigner and it is hoped that there is sufficient support for the idea that the Government will not be able to ignore the results of the pilots.

Standards of school food are steadily improving, but there is a long way to go – especially as there is a tendency for the number of packed lunches to increase when hot food provided gets healthier. The North East is down at the bottom of the UK’s health leagues and a fresh approach to school dinners would mean that children know the benefits of good food from a young age. One day hopefully moves will be made to make free school meals compulsory and phase out packed lunches entirely.

Sharon is also looking to encourage more nutritional education in schools. Where possible this would include after-school cooking clubs and competitions. Sharon hopes to achieve this through co-operation with local stakeholders in school nutrition and with the support of willing corporate partners.

Sharon attended and spoke at the Local Authority Catering Association school food summit in March 2009. She advocated the need not only for nutritionally balanced meals, but also for universal free school meals, as this is and important means of ensuring that every pupils receives at least one good meal a day. Although this will require Government investment, Sharon believes it is an investment in the future and in our young people. 

Guardian article >>

New Statesman article >>

Sharon's speech in Free School Meals debate >>

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