Myles has written a guest blog for The Food Foundation on why school food funding needs urgent attention ahead of September 2026.
From September 2026, the expansion of Free School Meals and the introduction of updated school food standards will come into effect at the same time. Together, these are important steps for children’s health and for families facing the cost of living. But their success will depend on whether schools and caterers have the funding clarity and support they need to deliver them well.
In the blog, Myles looks at the current pressures on school food budgets, the challenges smaller schools face because of economies of scale, and the need for clearer, more predictable funding arrangements. He also sets out three immediate steps that could help before September: targeted support for small schools, clearer conditions of grant, and better communication about school food funding allocations.
Read the full blog here.