Contribution of school meals to climate change and water use in England

This study quantified the carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF) of primary school meals served in England. The contribution to the total impacts of different food groups was analysed: meat dishes were responsible for 52% of the total CF and 38% of the total WF. Chocolate desserts contributed 19% of the total WF. One fifth of the impacts were associated with the production of plate leftovers. Win-win strategies that achieve a reduction in both impact categories were identified. These results have implications for policies promoting sustainability in the public food sector.