Schools, education and childcare School meals: the best choice for your child

School meals must meet certain standards by law. They must contribute to a healthy, balanced diet so that your child is getting the right nutrition and energy to see them through the school day. Children who eat a good, healthy meal concentrate better at school and are less likely to have time off.

A school meal must include:

  • high-quality meat, poultry or oily fish
  • at least two portions of fruit and vegetables
  • bread, other cereals and potatoes

There can't be:

  • fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate or sweets in school meals and vending machines
  • more than two portions of deep-fried food a week

Manchester schools make their own arrangements for school meals - please ask in your child's school office for more detail.