Devon education leader appointed chair of national School Food Review

A Devon-based education leader has been appointed Chair of the School Food Review, a national coalition of more than 40 organisations working to improve the school food system in England.

Matthew Shanks, chief executive of Education South West (ESW), will now represent the region at a national level, advocating for the importance of nutritious and sustainable school food in supporting children and young people.

The School Food Review brings together a wide range of organisations, including charities, unions, catering bodies, educational groups and academics. It is supported by Impact on Urban Health, School Food Matters, Chefs in Schools, Bite Back and The Food Foundation. The coalition aims to ensure every child, regardless of location, has access to nutritious, sustainable and appealing school meals.

Stephanie Slater, founder and chief executive at School Food Matters, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew Shanks as the new chair of the School Food Review. With valuable expertise in the education sector and a strong track record of strategic leadership, Matthew is ideally placed to guide our work.

“Under his leadership, we will continue shaping the government's policy commitments and advancing our mission to champion nutritious, delicious school food for every child."

Naomi Duncan, chief executive of Chefs in Schools, added: “Matthew is joining the School Food Review at a pivotal moment. With the upcoming expansion of free school meals, revised school food standards and wider breakfast provision, we have a real opportunity to transform children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn.

“Children spend around 190 days a year in school, eating more than half their daily food there, so getting this right matters. Matthew’s education expertise and deep belief in the transformative power of school food will be invaluable as we work together to realise its full potential.”

Matthew Shanks, CEO of Education South West, said: “High-quality school food plays a vital role in supporting children’s health, wellbeing and readiness to learn. When pupils have access to nutritious, sustainable meals, they are better equipped to focus, attend regularly and achieve their potential.

“Working with schools every day, I see how the right support strengthens outcomes for children and makes a meaningful difference for families.”

His appointment comes at a key moment for school food policy in England. The government has announced that from the 2026 academic year, free school meals will be extended to all children in households receiving Universal Credit. The move is expected to benefit more than half a million additional children and lift around 100,000 out of poverty.

Ministers have also pledged to review and update School Food Standards in line with the latest nutritional guidance, alongside strengthening monitoring and expanding breakfast provision through its School Breakfast policy.

The School Food Review has been closely involved in campaigning for these changes. Its recent reports, including The Superpowers of Free School Meals (2025), highlight benefits such as improved attendance, higher attainment, better health outcomes and reduced inequalities over a child’s lifetime.

Findings from the 2025 breakfast clubs early adopters scheme also point to improvements in attendance, wellbeing and readiness to learn, while emphasising the need for sustainable funding and clear guidance to maintain high-quality provision.

As chair, Mr Shanks will help shape the coalition’s strategic direction, strengthen its influence within the education sector and act as a spokesperson with school leaders and policymakers. The voluntary role will sit alongside his leadership of Education South West.