Serving the public: The good food revolution in schools, hospitals and prisons

by Kevin Morgan

A revealing account of what we feed our citizens in schools, hospitals and prisons.

Access to good food is the litmus test of a society’s commitment to social justice and sustainable development. This book explores the ‘good food revolution’ in public institutions, asking what broader lessons can be learned.

In schools the book examines the challenge of the whole school approach, where the message of the classroom is being aligned with the offer of the dining room. In hospitals it looks at the struggle to put nutrition on a par with medicine and shape a health service worthy of the name. And in prisons it shows how good food can bring hope and dignity to prisoners, helping them to rehabilitate themselves.

Drawing on evidence from the UK, US and Sweden, Serving the public highlights how public institutions are harnessing the power of purchase to secure public health, social justice and ecological integrity. The quest for good food in these institutions is an important part of the struggle to redeem the public sphere and repair the damage wrought by forty years of neoliberalism.

296 pages, Paperback

Published January 14, 2025

About the author

Kevin Morgan is an Australian author and researcher renowned for his investigative work into historical legal injustices. His notable book, "Gun Alley: Murder, Lies and Failure of Justice," delves into the 1921 wrongful conviction and execution of Colin Campbell Ross for the murder of 12-year-old Alma Tirtschke in Melbourne. Morgan's meticulous research played a pivotal role in posthumously pardoning Ross in 2008, marking Australia's first pardon of a judicially executed individual.
Beyond "Gun Alley," Morgan has authored several other works, including a biography of Ramsay MacDonald, reflecting his diverse interests and commitment to uncovering historical truths.

Reviews

[abin alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clearly articulated and the author backs up his arguments with important statistics. The book serves not just as a reminder on why public provision of meals is essential, but also how it is symbolic of a larger policy directive that has to act as a counter to Reagonomics/Thatcher-onomics of the 80's. The book serves as a sharp criticism to the austerity policies of the Tories, and reminds us how the ghost of the 80's still haunt both Conservatives and Labour till date. The stories are bittersweet, and reminds us that there is much more to cover, but ends on a optimistic note.

[Emily Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A v important read for anyone in the food industry. Super interesting and inspiring case studies.