Feeser's Food Distributors’ Post

I am proud to witness Wales leading the way as the first nation in the UK to provide free school meals to all primary school children. This forward-thinking policy not only addresses child hunger but also promotes equality and better educational outcomes. Research consistently shows that well-nourished children are more focused, engaged, and capable of achieving their full potential in the classroom. This initiative is a significant step towards tackling child poverty, reducing the stigma often associated with means-tested meals, and ensuring that no child is left behind due to socio-economic barriers. It also aligns with broader public health goals by encouraging balanced, nutritious meals that support lifelong healthy eating habits. I hope to see this model replicated across the UK, fostering a more equitable and healthy future for all children. Wales is setting a powerful precedent — one that I believe other regions should follow to improve not just educational outcomes, but the overall well-being of our future generations.

Well done Wales, who have become the first UK nation to offer free school meals to all primary school children. 👏 This provides a crucial foundation to tackle the diet-related public health crisis in Wales, and governments across the UK should take note. School meals usually have more vegetables, less salt, and fewer processed foods compared to packed lunches. A universal approach to providing school meals means more children can get the nutrition they need. The benefits are clear: research shows that giving children a variety of fresh foods early on helps them develop better and healthier eating habits for life. We want to see the recently launched independent evaluation of the programme gather a full picture of how the programme is working in Wales to ensure its long term success and enable learnings to be shared within and beyond Wales. https://lnkd.in/gZm9kiDw #FreeSchoolMeals #Wales #PrimarySchool #FSM

🌍 World Food Day 🌍 Today, we reflect on the importance of food security and how crucial access to healthy, nutritious meals is for everyone—especially our young learners. In the UK, we often take school meals for granted, but they play an essential role in shaping children's development, health, and concentration. For many pupils, school lunches may be the only nutritious meal they have in a day. This is why ensuring the quality and accessibility of food in schools is so important for both their academic success and their well-being. At U-Educate, we’re passionate about creating environments where every child can thrive. Supporting schools, pupils, and communities means looking beyond the classroom and addressing the core needs of our learners, including access to nutritious meals. Let’s continue to push for a future where no child has to worry about their next meal and can focus on reaching their full potential. #WorldFoodDay #UEducate #FoodInSchools #ChildNutrition #FutureGeneration #EducationMatters

School lunch is critical to children’s health and academic achievement by fighting food insecurity and providing the nutritional foundation needed for lifelong success. School lunch participation peaked in the 2021-2022 school year when pandemic-era waivers allowed all schools to serve all children nutritious meals at no cost. Schools, advocates, and states across the country are working tirelessly to ensure students have unimpeded and equitable access to the nutrition they need to learn and grow. From strategic utilization of the Community Eligibility Provision to state’s Healthy School Meals for All legislation, well-designed policies and practices help engage students and reduce barriers to school lunch participation. On Thursday October 17 at 3 p.m. ET, join the FRAC during National School Lunch Week as we explore how schools and partners are working together to increase participation in school meals. https://lnkd.in/e2QCxg2D

📣ICYMI Join me as I chat with Olympia Della Flora M.Ed., Superintendent of Marion City Schools, Marion, OH. and Amy L. Neloms, ASCD to discuss how the implementation of the ASCD Whole Child approach has cultivated a climate of belonging and has transformed the culture of achievement in Marion City schools. The outcomes… ⬆️ student performance data, ⬆️ student attendance, ⬆️ parent engagement, and ⬆️ teacher retention. Article Link: https://lnkd.in/gJ3tkvH5 Session Details & Registration Link Below⬇️ #itsALLabouthestudents #transformingWE #DontDismissMyStory

New on our blog: In the 2022–23 school year, California became the first state to provide free school meals to all children regardless of income. We look at how the state's school nutrition programs are faring overall and examine trends in participation among low-income students. https://bit.ly/3yCBMX5

How do you support Whole Child Education? Learn more about the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) approach at https://bit.ly/3TE0COp

🤝 It takes a village! The Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child (WSCC) model—which we developed with the CDC—emphasizes the interconnectedness of health, education, and community in supporting the whole child. Check out these 10 critical components shaping a comprehensive and effective educational environment. Learn more about The Whole Child Approach to Education at: https://bit.ly/3TE0COp #WSCCModel #EducationForAll #WholeChild

Such power in the Whole Child Approach to Education! Learn more at https://bit.ly/3TE0COp PASCD ASCD #k12education

How EHCPs Support Home Schooled Children An Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) is crucial for ensuring that children with significant needs receive the support they require. Even in a home schooling setting, an EHCP can provide essential resources and guidance. Learn more in our video about how EHCPs work and how to apply for one. #EHCP #SpecialNeedsSupport #HomeSchooling #EducationalSupport