School dinners in England dominated by grab-and-go foods such as pizza and sausage rolls
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<p>Study backed by Jamie Oliver finds pupils are foregoing sit-down meals for often less healthy, convenient options</p><p>Pupils in England are routinely eating pizza slices, sausage rolls and paninis for lunch as school canteens become dominated by a “grab-and-go” culture of unhealthy food.</p><p>Convenience foods eaten on the move are ousting sit-down meals as the main way secondary pupils in England refuel during lunch breaks, a report backed by the TV chef <
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School dinners in England dominated by grab-and-go foods such as pizza and sausage rolls Study backed by Jamie Oliver finds pupils are foregoing sit-down meals for often less healthy, convenient options Pupils in England are routinely eating pizza slices, sausage rolls and paninis for lunch as school canteens become dominated by a “grab-and-go” culture of unhealthy food. Convenience foods eaten on the move are ousting sit-down meals as the main way secondary pupils in England refuel during lunch breaks, a report backed by the TV chef Jamie Oliver found. Food campaigners fear the trend could worsen childhood obesity, leave pupils struggling to focus in classes and undermine the government’s pledge to raise “the healthiest generation ever” of children. Time and money pressures are driving pupils to increasingly buy food that is less nutritious but easier to consume while moving around, according to Bite Back, the charity behind the report. Such options also include chips, rolls, sugary drinks, cakes and confectionery. Bite Back found that 60% of pupils buy “grab-and-go” options at lunchtime at least once a week, 40% do so three, four or five times a week and 32% consume such items at morning break. “Grab-and-go food and soft drinks now make up a substantial and routine part of the food on offer at secondary schools in England,” the report found. “Despite these items frequently falling short of the school food standards, they have become embedded. Current provision prioritises convenience and profitability over nutrition.” Bite Back surveyed 2,000 secondary school pupils, as well as some teachers and head teachers, and analysed school lunch menus. The charity, founded by Oliver, said: “Grab-and-go is not inherently problematic and can play a positive role in busy school days.” However, it said the option had become dominated by unhealthy “nutrient-poor, predominantly carbohydrate-based items, including pizza, rolls, pastries and chips, which are cheaper than main meals...
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