The UK School Meals Service 1944–Present: A Sensory and Emotional Experience

Abstract

This article explores the sensory and emotional dimensions of the UK School Meals Service (SMS) since 1944, arguing that the lived experiences of pupils, teachers, parents, catering staff, and policymakers have fundamentally shaped its history. The study combines archival documentary research with new oral history interviews and ethnographic case studies. It investigates how sensory experiences - such as taste, smell, and sound - have influenced emotional responses, including shame, embarrassment, and pride, particularly in relation to free school meals (FSMs). Sensory and emotional engagements with school meals are deeply embedded in social and cultural contexts, reflecting broader changes in educational policies, family dynamics, and societal attitudes towards poverty and welfare. The article highlights the stigma and resistance strategies which have shaped perceptions of FSMs across generations. It concludes that a more nuanced approach to the history of the SMS can enhance current discussions on social justice and educational equity.