OIAMFS students present report to Members of Parliament in Westminster, London!
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On Wednesday 29th November 2023, five students from One In A Million Free School travelled to Westminster, London, to present to Members of Parliament (MPs).
The students presented a report on the Free School Meal Allowance research project that they have been involved with.
In the lead up to this day, our students had been working with academics from The University of York's Fix Our Food project gaining research into school food and the FSM allowance.
On this occasion, we were joined by six other schools in Portcullis House, opposite Parliament, to present the report's findings to MPs and civil servants.
Students also took part in a drop in session with 14 Members of Parliament to talk further about the research project.
Miss Stuart (Assistant Principal): "It was a fabulous event for our students to be involved in. It was a great privilege to see our students flourish throughout this project”.
One student said: "It was great to come together with the other young researchers and get to celebrate our work in London!”
Another student said: "I hope I get to come to London again and to visit Parliament. I felt very special to be a part of it”.
Another student said: "I will never forget this trip!"
Miss Stuart: “The students represented our school impeccably. I was extremely proud of them!”.
Project Background
The Food Foundation and FixOurFood set out to look at whether the allowance provided to students on Free School Meals (FSM) is enough for them to buy healthy, tasty and sustainable food at school. The report presents what a group of young researchers in secondary school learnt when they undertook research in their schools, and extends our knowledge in relation to the adequacy of the FSM allowance. In addition to answering the question about the FSM allowance adequacy, the young researchers also shared their thoughts and experiences on many other aspects of food in their schools, thus providing additional insights about the school food environment. The report sheds light on the daily experiences within the school food system of those who receive FSM. Researched and written with young people, it is crucial reading for anyone interested in food in schools.
About The Food Foundation
The Food Foundation is an independent charity working to address challenges in the food system in the interests of the UK public. Working at the interface between academia and policymakers (parliamentarians, civil servants, local authorities, business leaders), we use a wide range of approaches to make change happen, including events, publications, media stories, social media campaigns and multi-stakeholder partnerships. We are independent of all political parties and business, and we are not limited by a single issue or special interest. Our Children’s Right2Food Campaign is a nationwide initiative led by young people to ensure every child in the UK can access and afford good food. www.foodfoundation.org.uk
About FixOurFood
FixOurFood is a 5-year research programme led by the University of York and is part of the ‘Transforming the UK Food System for Healthy People and a Healthy Environment Strategic Priorities Fund Programme’, which is delivered by UKRI. FixOurFood has a vision to transform food systems across the UK towards being ‘regenerative’. We are working in schools and nurseries to transform food menus, environments, education and procurement. FixOurFood is evidence-based, and we are committed to all young people having a voice in the future of the UK food system. www.fixourfood.org
About The Nuffield Foundation
The Nuffield Foundation is an independent charitable trust with a mission to advance social well-being. It funds research that informs social policy, primarily in Education, Welfare and Justice. The Nuffield Foundation is the founder and co-funder of the Nuffield Council on Bioethics, the Ada Lovelace Institute and the Nuffield Family Justice Observatory. The Foundation has funded this project, but the views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily the Foundation. www.nuffieldfoundation.org