Industry body has published its National Children’s Breakfast Charter to call for change
There is widespread concern among parents about poor-quality school breakfasts and children starting their day hungry, new research from British Berry Growers (BBG) has indicated.
In response, BBG has issued the National Children’s Breakfast Charter, calling on the government to mandate minimum nutritional standards for free school meals, and especially breakfasts.
According to BBG’s research, despite 78 per cent of parents admitting it is the most important meal of the day, eight in 10 worry their children are not getting a nutritional breakfast. The survey also found that 56 per cent of parents do not think the government is doing enough to support healthy eating choices.
Some two thirds (68 per cent) of parents support government action to provide healthy, free school meals for all children, but an overwhelming majority (96 per cent) say they believe the government should do more to ensure children are given more fruit during school breakfasts.
Changing policy
The charter, written in partnership with leading nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert, follows the government’s rollout of a school breakfast pilot in April, which saw 750 schools provide free daily breakfast clubs, and the recent extension of free school meals programme. All children in families that receive Universal Credit will now be eligible for free school meals.
BBG chairman Nick Marston said: “School breakfasts are a critical safety net for young people, especially in more deprived areas. But the breakfasts offered should be nutrient-rich and include fresh produce like berries.
“We support the government funding contribution for breakfast clubs, and their efforts to expand the free school meals programme. We urge further expansion and the use of minimum levels of nutritional quality to ensure children are getting the healthy food they need and deserve – especially at breakfast.
“At British Berry Growers, we’re committed to being part of the solution. But we know real change requires all of us – government, schools, industry, and families – working together. Our hope is that the charter sparks dialogue, drives action, and helps every child start their day with the energy and nourishment they deserve.”
Kids struggling to get 5 A Day
The research also found that, regardless of eating at home or in school, children typically fall short of the target 5 A Day fruit and vegetable recommendation on four or more days each week.
The parents polled also admit their children are missing breakfast nearly seven times a month on average, while nine in 10 parents say they worry about the amount of sugar their children consume in their diet (88 per cent).
Lambert commented: “Breakfast is widely acknowledged as a critical part of a healthy diet, yet it remains one of the most frequently overlooked meals, particularly among children and adolescents.
“A nutritious breakfast sets the tone for the day, yet too many children in the UK are missing out. Improving breakfast habits isn’t solely a matter of individual choice; it requires coordinated action across government, education, industry, and the home environment. We need to raise the breakfast bar, together.”
BBG is urging people to write to their MPs to encourage them to support the National Children’s Breakfast Charter. More informaion is available here.
