Exploring the implementation, impact, and acceptability of ‘planet friendly’ menus in Newcastle primary schools

Newcastle primary schools will introduce vegan/vegetarian low emission menus one day a week starting in the 2024-25 school year. This project aims to prepare for a future study by exploring the delivery and impact of these menus. The team will consult with school food suppliers, caterers, head teachers, and chefs at three schools to identify barriers and potential solutions  to delivering the low emissions menus. They will also gather input from pupils, parents, and teachers to understand their views on the menus and how they influence eating habits. These insights will inform the design of a larger study in more schools.

Project lead: Mackenzie Fong (Newcastle University)

Project collaborators: Rachel Sommerville (Net Zero Team, Newcastle City Council), Claire Batey (Newcastle Health Determinants Research Collaboration, Newcastle City Council), Ruth Westcott (Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming), Prachi Bhatnagar (Newcastle University), Suzanne Spence (Newcastle University)