CONNECTS-Food

CONNECTS-Food (CO-desigNed systems iNtervEntion impaCTing whole school approaches to Food) is a major research project, led by Professor Maria Bryant, designed to tackle the complexities of improving children's diets by focusing on the whole-school approach to food. This approach, recommended by international health bodies, promotes consistency in food quality, eating culture, and food education across the entire school day, as children consume a significant portion of their daily intake at school. The project used an innovative, system-wide methodology, collaborating with school stakeholders (headteachers, caterers, children, and parents) across the UK to map the full primary school food system and identify critical leverage points for change. The key output is a free online resource that provides practical support, a self-review tool, and policy guidance to help busy primary schools effectively implement and monitor a comprehensive, customized whole-school food policy, ultimately aiming to reduce health inequalities and improve children's long-term dietary health.