Household income and dietary diversity in children

A varied diet is important for children’s growth and development, but not all children have the same access to different types of food. This can be because of how much money a family earns or if they can access affordable, healthy food. Free school meals may help to improve dietary diversity in families with a low income. The Bradford food survey data will help to explore whether children from families that have less money, have less varied diets, and whether free school meals can help to improve this. The findings will provide evidence on the importance of free school meals, to support healthier diets for children and reduce inequalities.