YouGov survey shows parental support for increasing plant-based meals in schools

As demand for plant-rich school food grows, parental support appears to be on the rise  

The results of a YouGov survey published today finds that nearly half of UK parents of children aged 3 to 18 years old support an increase in plant-based food in schools. 

The survey results are released as ProVeg UK’s flagship programme, School Plates, celebrates a milestone of more than 50 million meals switched to plant-based or meat-free at 12,000 schools since the initiative was launched in 2018.  

Now, more than ever, school meals are in the spotlight. In a landscape where most children don’t get enough fibre, and some eat as little as one or less portions of fruit of veg each day, school menus offer up huge opportunities to provide healthy, nourishing and sustainable food options. But what do parents think?  

ProVeg UK carried out a survey with YouGov to find out what parents think about plant-based school food options, and their attitudes towards food and education. The results showed that nearly half of all UK parents support increasing the number of plant-based meals served in schools (46.7%).  

When asked whether there should be more learning in school about healthy food choices, 85% of UK parents of children aged 3 to 18 years were in support.  

Sophia Millar, Co-Director at ProVeg UK, said, “It’s great to see support for plant-based options on school menus is strong with parents. ProVeg has already swapped 50 million meals to date - a fantastic milestone - and we’ll continue to keep championing plant-rich recipes, and training school caterers to cook with planet-friendly and nutritious ingredients.” 

The School Plates programme was launched in 2018 and now works with over 100 school catering partners across the country. As a result, over 12,000 schools benefit from healthier and more sustainable menus. The programme continues to thrive. 

Healthier compared to what is served now 

37% of respondents agree that schools serving more plant-based meals would make the meals healthier compared to what is served now. 

A quarter of the respondents (24%) disagree that schools serving more plant-based meals would make the meals healthier than what is being served now.. 

Parents with younger children tend to agree that schools serving more plant-based meals would make the meals healthier (42% in the group 4 years and under, about 40% in the group 5 to 11 years, about 29% in the group 17 to 18 years). 

Nearly 50% of parents in the region of London agree that schools serving more plant-based meals would make the meals more healthy. 

In line with the Committee on Climate Change’s recommendations ProVeg UK aims to support a transition away from reliance on animal products, reducing the impact of our current food system. 

Switching out animal-based products for plant-based whole foods not only benefits human health, it can be great for the environment too. Many schools have been able to reduce their carbon footprint by considering the sustainability of their school menus.  

ENDS 

Notes to Editors

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size for UK parents of children aged 3 to 18 was 1,484. Fieldwork was undertaken between 7th - 12th May 2025.  The survey was carried out online.

For media inquiries and interviews, contact Jade Chapman, ProVeg UK, at jade.chapman@proveg.org

About School Plates

ProVeg UK’s School Plates programme helps school caterers to make small changes to menus that can have a big impact on children’s health and the health of the planet. Our Awards form part of the School Plates programme and incentivise our partners to work towards healthy, sustainable menus.  Our School Plates brochures, called The Guide and The Recipes, can be downloaded for free here.

About ProVeg UK

ProVeg UK is a part of ProVeg International, a food awareness organisation with the mission to replace 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040. Our vision is a world where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.

ProVeg UK works with local authorities and school caterers to increase the nutritional value and sustainability of school food. By reviewing menus and providing expert advice, new recipes, and plant-based cooking workshops, ProVeg increases the quality and quantity of plant-based food in schools.