Winter warmers light up school dinners
Primary school children across Warwickshire will be able to study with a glow in their stomach following the launch of a new dinner menu.
A new ‘Winter Warmers’ menu is being launched by Warwickshire County Council for children aged four to 11.
The menu gives varied, healthy, tasty options suitable for the winter.
Each day children must have a balanced meal from the main food groups, including fruit and vegetables; meat, fish and alternatives,; bread, cereals and potatoes; milk and diary products.
Warwickshire County Caterers introduced the balanced menu ahead of Government requirements, long before Jamie Oliver set foot in a school kitchen.
There is choice every day of the week and the menu has something different every day over a three week cycle.
Items such as chips are not banned – but are restricted to once a week. Other favourites, such as chicken nuggets and pizza, are permitted if they are made with healthy ingredients.
Sandra Russell, Head of Warwickshire County Caterers, said: “Children can have a meal that is warm, tasty and healthy, food that they will enjoy which is good for them.
“We are investing in improving school kitchens and making the whole dining experience enjoyable for our youngsters. Parents can be assured that their children can have a good appetising meal at school – and it is important to have a hot meal during the winter months. This is the time of year when most children take school meals and we want to encourage those who have never had them before to give them a go.”
New dishes include Pork, Apple and Sweetcorn Casserole, Meaty Pasta Bake, and Vegetable Goulash, while favourites such as ‘real’ Chicken Nuggets, Sausages and Bacon with gravy and Double Cod Fish Finger remain on the menu.