Let’s Dine kick start national school meals week
The Council hosted a national event in partnership with the Lead Association for CAtering in Education (LACA). The event aimed to dismiss the myths and promote a modern day school lunch, using the rural setting of Harper Adams University.
Groups of pupils from primary schools in the region were invited to learn about the use of dairy in school meals, the importance of a balanced school meal and local British produce.
LACA is visiting ten regions across England and Wales promoting their ‘Taste for Yourself’ campaign where they will be sharing messages about meat-free meals, the importance of hydration, 5-a-day and British agriculture. Pupils also sampled main courses, desserts and juices.
Let’s Dine, the council’s schools meals team, provides healthy, balanced and nutritional meals for many schools in the borough welcomed the visit to continue raising awareness of the importance of school meals. Their visit coincides with national school meals week (11-15 November 2019).
This informs parents that every child in reception, years one and two is entitled to a FREE hot or cold meal every day, regardless of their household income.
Free school meals also help families by saving them money. Compared to a typical lunch box from home, savings could be up to £700 per year.
Research shows that children who eat healthily perform better at school too.
Lorna Hicks, Catering Manager for the council, said: “We’re showcasing the importance of local British food sources in school meals, which is important to the pupil’s learning. The pupils enjoyed the sample meals, which is always a positive outcome in events such as these.
The Let’s Dine team are currently working in partnership with schools it provides school meals, to develop their menu to include options their pupils enjoy. They have worked really hard on improving their menus, which they are proud of.”
Further information about free school meals can be found here.
