A recent YouGov survey undertaken for Pabulum Catering has revealed that despite many years of campaigning some key food and health terms are still misunderstood by UK adults.
Having recently been awarded The Soil Association’s highest Food For Life Catering mark Gold standard using 94% fresh food in their Cypress cluster of schools in Croydon, Pabulum was keen to explore parents’ understanding of some of the key food and health phrases which it uses to promote its school menus and dishes.
“Fresh”?
The research showed that when given the term ”fresh” there wasn’t one strong opinion about what this meant. 49% of respondents said bought from a local market in the morning; 47% said straight from the farm; 40% thought home grown and 38% saying food that is prepared in the kitchen from raw ingredients such as meat, fish and vegetables. Only 10% thought the word applied to items on meat and vegetable counters from a local branded supermarket.
“Made from fresh ingredients”?
When asked about the term “made from fresh ingredients” there was a wide range of answers with the highest of 39% saying it meant freshly prepared and 8% replying seasonal. Despite a wide range of options to choose from almost a quarter (24%) said that the statements provided did not meet their understanding of the term.
“Healthy”?
People’s understanding of “healthy” also varied greatly as when respondents were offered the chance to tick a range of options, less than two thirds (60%) of people thought “healthy” meant the food was low in salt, fat and sugar. 54% said it will form part of a balanced a diet, 49% thought “healthy” was good for you and 41% said it meant free from additives such as colourings. Only 39% thought “healthy” related to having their five-a-day of fruit and vegetables.
The term “balanced diet” also caused a difference of opinion with just half of respondents (52%) saying the term meant eating a variety of foods but none in excess. 20% said it was taking regular exercise and eating a range of different foods and just 5% of respondents said a balanced diet was eating your five-a-day of fruit and vegetables.
Thumbs up for school meals
The research gave a big thumbs up for school meals with just over 7 in 10 (71%) of respondents saying they would prefer their child to have a school meal that had a good selection of menu items that are prepared from mainly fresh ingredients that will help the child be more attentive in class. Just 19% said they would prefer to send them with a packed lunch so they know they have something they will eat.
Nelson Williams, managing director, Pabulum commented that it “…was really refreshing to see the percentage of parents backing school meals at a time when many children are trying them for the first time with the introduction of Universal Infant Free School meals.
“A recent study from the School Food Plan highlighted that school meals provide 25% to 33% of a child’s nutrition needs for a day so it’s vital parents are seeing school meals as the first choice. We’ve worked hard to create awareness with parents on our fresh ingredients and how we opt for quality ingredients.”
Food for Life Gold
One of the main requirements for Food for Life Gold is 75% homemade food; Pabulum has achieved 94% fresh food and in particular does not use frozen meat with a 19% food spend on organic food. Pabulum runs continuous training provided by Richard Tiley who is their Food For Life Champion. Internal procurement and supply chain management changes were required for this Food For Life Gold Award to ensure correct traceability with British Premium Meats and Coastline.
For more information click here