Vulnerable children should be given free school meals and all pupils leaving education should know how to cook at least 10 dishes, Jamie Oliver has said.
The TV chef also called for children to be protected from junk food advertising – a move endorsed by Henry Dimbleby, the British businessman and co-founder of food chain Leon.
Speaking at the Future of Britain conference, sugar tax campaigner Mr Oliver laid out his three priorities for improving the health of Britain’s children.
He highlighted London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s plan to make school meals freely available to all primary-aged pupils for 2023/24, a policy the chef suggested should be replicated across England.
In February, Labour’s Mr Khan said a one-off £130 million programme, which comes into effect from September, would help struggling households amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Funded by additional business rates income, it is estimated the move will help around 270,000 primary school pupils and save families in London around £440 per child across the year.
Currently, households in England receiving universal credit must earn below £7,400 a year before benefits and after tax to qualify for free school meals.
