A Devon education chief has been handed a leading role in shaping the future of school meals across England as pressure grows for healthier food and wider free meal access in schools.
Matthew Shanks, chief executive of academy trust Education South West, has been appointed chair of the School Food Review, a coalition of more than 40 organisations campaigning to improve school food standards nationwide.
The coalition includes charities, unions, catering organisations, education bodies and academics, alongside support from groups including School Food Matters, Chefs in Schools and The Food Foundation.
Mr Shanks said high-quality school food played “a vital role” in children’s health and education.
He said: “High-quality school food plays a vital role in supporting children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn.
“When pupils have access to nutritious, sustainable meals, they are better equipped to focus, attend regularly and achieve their potential.
“Working with schools every day, I see how the right support strengthens outcomes for children and makes a meaningful difference for families.”
Stephanie Slater, founder and chief executive at School Food Matters, welcomed the appointment.
She said: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew Shanks as the new chair of the School Food Review.
“With valuable expertise in the education sector and a strong track record of strategic leadership, Matthew is ideally placed to guide our work.
“Under his leadership, we will continue shaping the government’s policy commitments and advancing our mission to champion nutritious, delicious school food for every child.”
Naomi Duncan, chief executive of Chefs in Schools, said the appointment came at a “pivotal moment”.
She added: “With the upcoming expansion of free school meals, revised school food standards and wider breakfast provision, we have a real opportunity to transform children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn.
“Children spend around 190 days a year in school, eating more than half their daily food there, so getting this right matters.
“Matthew’s education expertise and deep belief in the transformative power of school food will be invaluable as we work together to realise its full potential.”
The appointment follows government plans to extend free school meals to all children in households receiving Universal Credit from the 2026 academic year. According to the coalition, the move is expected to provide more than half a million additional children with free meals and lift around 100,000 children out of poverty.
The government has also pledged to review school food standards and strengthen monitoring arrangements alongside its school breakfast policy.
The School Food Review said recent research had linked high-quality school meals with improved attendance, higher attainment and better health outcomes for children.
Education South West oversees eight primary schools, four secondary schools, one all-through school and a university technical college in Devon.
More information is available at Education South West and School Food Review.
