Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to reduce food waste in schools.

Defra funds the UK Food and Drink Pact, a voluntary agreement with industry to tackle food waste. Through the Pact, we support delivery of the Food Waste Reduction Roadmap, which offers guidance for businesses on reducing food waste in their operations. Catering businesses who supply schools and school kitchen staff can use this guidance to reduce their food waste.

Simpler Recycling reforms ensure that across England, people can recycle the same materials, including food waste, whether at home, work or school. As of 31 March 2025, schools are required to make arrangements for the collection of food waste.