UK Charity Number: 1118995

Website: http://www.schoolfoodtrust.org.uk

Stated Aims

THE COMPANY, WHICH IS A NON-DEPARTMENTAL PUBLIC BODY (NDPB), IS PRINCIPALLY ENGAGED IN TAKING FORWARD THE NEW SCHOOL STANDARDS TO TRANSFORM SCHOOL FOOD AND FOOD SKILLS TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE IN ENGLAND

Context

Used some sprious research (linking childhood obesity with proximity to fast food restaurants) to call for children to be banned from leaving school premises in the daytime and stopping ‘junk food’ shops operating close to schools. (See their press release).

Details

The School Food Trust was set up in 2005 as a ‘Non Departmental Public Body’ to enforce the Jamie Oliver-inspired crusade for ‘healthy’ food in schools. In practice, this meant finding ways of forcing children to eat the unpopular new school meals. After spending its initial £15 million grant, it became a registered charity in 2007. 

It didn’t take long for the School Food Trust to begin meddling in politics. When, in 2006, Ofcom recommended restrictions on food advertising, it delivered the mantra of the fake charity, saying:

"The Ofcom proposals are a step in the right direction, but do not go far enough."

The charity recommended a far-reaching advertising ban which was ultimately adopted by the government.

Like most fake charities it has become adept at balancing toadying and lobbying. It has welcomed the government’s £20 million Free School Meals initiative but has called for tougher legislation to "combat the temptation posed by junk food outlets," including locking pupils in at lunchtime.

"One option the Trust is recommending is that schools look into the feasibility of adopting a ‘stay-on-site policy’ restricting pupils to school grounds during lunch times, thus keeping them away from tempting junk food meal deals." 

Details:

Its 2008 accounts show a total income of £8,897,000.

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