Adopting a Whole School Food Approach: Understanding Influences on Adolescent Nutrition Choices

Abstract Adolescence is a crucial period for establishing lifelong eating habits, yet the dietary patterns of young people in the UK pose health risks, contributing to rising obesity rates and health inequalities. Young people in the UK consume three times the recommended amount of their total energy intake from free sugars and do not meet essential nutrient requirements for good health. Schools are recognised as the ideal setting to offer key interventions; however, research suggests national school food standards are not being met in secondary schools and a culture of healthy sustainable eating remains a challenge. This case study responds to the question: What is required to support UK secondary schools in achieving the national school food standards and consistently serving nutritious foods? It draws on findings from a systematic review, mixed methods research, and the author experience of implementing school food approaches. A six-phase toolkit is presented as a guide to support a collaborative and coherent approach to school food. Opportunities to ensure the young person is involved in the development of a ‘Whole School Food Approach’ are considered necessary for successful implementation. Creative facilitation methods are emerging as promising tools to enable young people to contribute and lead as informed stakeholders. Information © The Author 2025