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Written question asked by Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour) on Thursday, 23 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 6 August 2026. It was answered by Baroness Hayman of Ullock (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 August 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Food: NHS and Schools

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the potential cost savings to caterers, schools, and the NHS of serving a higher proportion of pulses and other plant-based protein in schools and NHS institutions; and the potential of these cost savings to help public institutions afford more organic, local or higher-environmental standard foods.

Answer

No such assessment has been made.

A new national procurement policy statement has been published which sets expectations for government contracts to favour products certified to high environmental standards that British producers are well-placed to meet.

The NHS Eatwell Guide recognises the valuable contribution of plant-based foods and drinks, illustrating that both plant-based products and animal-based products can be part of a healthy balanced diet.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2748
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Cost effectiveness Catering Environment protection Food NHS Public sector Schools
Contains statistics
Yes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk