Our research
In 2008 the Soil Association and Organix produced a report called Georgie Porgie Pudding and Pie: Exposing the truth about nursery food, which for the first time examined the state of food served in nurseries and children’s centres in England and Wales. The report found widespread variability in the quality of food given to children in early years settings. In particular:
- Foods high in salt, sugar and fat that are now banned or restricted in schools still regularly served to under-fives;
- Colourings and additives that would not be allowed in manufactured foods for young children still on offer in nurseries;
- Nursery food was largely unregulated; the only legally enforceable rule that existed didn’t apply to the nine out of ten nurseries that weren’t state-maintained.
The report also found:
- No compulsory training for nursery staff serving food
- No clear nutritional standards
- No agency to monitor the quality of food provided
- No Government department giving a lead or promoting good practice
- No Government funding available to help nurseries improve provision
That's why we need
better nursery food, now. You can support our campaign by
signing our petition, or
contacting your MP. Or find out more about our research by reading the following reports:
- Georgie Porgie Pudding and Pie: Exposing the truth about nursery food (October 2008)
The first ever detailed investigation into the quality of food fed to young children attending nurseries in the UK. The report reveals the lack of nutritional standards for nursery food and the widespread variability in the quality of food served to our most vulnerable children. It also highlights good practice and provides advice for nurseries and parents who want to see better nursery food.