Oasis Takes a Stand on School Meals

At Oasis, we believe that school meals are far more than just a break in the day, they are a critical part of a child’s education and overall well-being. So, we were delighted that our Regional Director for Primary Academies (London & SE), Adam Browne, was invited to represent our organisation at the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on School Food this week. 

The APPG event, led by MP Sharon Hodgson, gathered key voices in the sector to discuss the importance of ensuring that every child, no matter their background or postcode, has access to healthy, nutritious meals. As part of the discussion, Adam highlighted Oasis' commitment to providing high-quality meals across all our academies, pointing to the essential role that food plays in ensuring children are in school, ready to learn and thrive. 

At Oasis, we know that many children face food insecurity, especially those just above the threshold for Free School Meals (FSM). Our academies see the direct impact this has on our students’ attendance, engagement, and academic performance. Our message to policymakers is clear: we must work together to address the disparities in access to healthy school meals, particularly in regions outside of London, where the gap in funding for meals and school resources is widening. 

The event also addressed the challenge of outdated national school food standards and the need for modern, inclusive systems that promote nutrition and well-being. We’re proud of the work we do within our own schools to tackle these issues head-on. Our dedicated catering teams not only provide meals but also engage with students, especially those facing additional challenges, to educate them on food choices, encourage them to try new foods, and make dining halls a positive, inclusive environment for everyone. 

Thanks to the dedication of our teams both within and supporting our academies, Oasis is making great strides in ensuring that every student gets the nourishment they need to succeed, inside and outside the classroom. We remain committed to advocating for a well-funded, effective school food system that supports all children to flourish.