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A pilot survey was conducted at two secondary schools in Nottinghamshire in order to determine lunchtime arrangements, expenditure, factors affecting food choice, the popularity of other foods and eating‐out places, the satisfaction with the dining room and the reasons for not using the cafeteria. A total of 839 questionnaires completed by the children were analysed. The survey revealed a decline in the use of the cafeteria with increasing age. The amount spent at lunchtime was a significant factor in indicating whether the child had a school meal. Variety was the main factor affecting food choice. Future research will examine in greater detail the non‐cafeteria user in order to develop targeting strategies for increasing school meal uptake.

Combines a marketing study of the Meals on Wheels (MoW) service in Leicester, with a study of food consumption patterns in 1,500 elderly persons by the use of a self‐completed questionnaire, which aimed to evaluate the consumer characteristics, service provision and degree of satisfaction of MoW recipients and identify specific areas of dissatisfaction. Overall 88 per cent said they were very satisfied or satisfied with the service. Food consumption patterns showed that the majority of the elderly ate other food besides MoW but 26 per cent of recipients provided no information, suggesting that little other food was eaten. Further research is required on preference ratings for various types of meals and on the attitudes of the elderly to certain food types, e.g. fruit, vegetables, milk and other dairy products.