Jamie Oliver, quite rightly, was talking about trying to improve the diet of children in schools and improving school meals, but the net effect was the number of children eating school meals in many of these places didn't go up, it went down.

In this quote, Andrew Lansley reflects on the efforts of Jamie Oliver to improve the diet of children in schools through better-quality school meals. Lansley acknowledges Oliver's intentions as being commendable but points out that the actual outcome of these efforts was not as successful as hoped. Despite the goal of improving children's nutrition, the net effect in many places was that the number of children eating school meals actually decreased rather than increased.

Lansley’s comment suggests that the changes introduced by Oliver, while well-meaning, may not have been well-received or effective in achieving their desired outcome. This could be due to various factors, such as children's reluctance to accept healthier food options, or a lack of infrastructure and support to make these meals appealing. The decrease in children choosing to eat school meals highlights the complexity of changing dietary habits, especially in a school setting.

The origin of the quote lies in the context of Oliver's high-profile campaign to improve school meals, which included revamping menus and pushing for more nutritious options. Lansley’s critique points to the challenges that can arise when trying to implement large-scale health changes, especially when they are met with resistance from the very people they are intended to help. It raises important questions about how to balance health improvements with practicality and acceptance.

Ultimately, Lansley’s quote underscores the importance of approach and engagement in any public health initiative. While improving school meals and children's diets is a noble goal, the outcome is dependent on how these changes are received and whether they can be effectively integrated into the daily routines and preferences of children.