Chips out, fruit in for school dinners
Warwickshire children are turning the tables on unhealthy food with a culinary revolution breaking out in school kitchens across the county.
New standards have been introduced in schools in England to ensure that youngsters get a healthy balanced school dinner.
Vending machines have been emptied of sugary and salty snacks, with healthier options being made available instead.
Water is being made freely available to ensure that children drink the right amount, and fizzy drinks are off the menu.
Deep fried foods, such as chips, are restricted to a maximum of twice a week, while children eating a school dinner must be offered at least two portions of fruit or vegetables a day.
Other healthy food, such as oily fish, are also being offered more regularly.
Revised menus for primary and secondary schools have been prepared by Warwickshire County Council’s County Caterers as part of a £1.5 million revamp of school dinners funded by the government and managed locally by Warwickshire County Council. Similar changes will take place in schools with other catering providers.
Over the coming years improvements will be made to school kitchens, training and lessons to help children understand the importance of healthy eating.
Shona Walton, Principal Inspector, said: “Warwickshire has always had high standards in its catering for schools and has been well placed to deal with these new requirements. Government funding is allowing us to plan to improve further the healthy options for school dinners to help children get a good, balanced diet and to be fit, alert and able to concentrate in lessons.”
More information about the varied menus available is at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/schoolmeals