COUNCILLOR MEETS WITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE SCHOOL FOOD TRUST TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF SCHOOL MEALS (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

COUNCILLOR MEETS WITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE SCHOOL FOOD TRUST TO DISCUSS FUTURE OF SCHOOL MEALS

March 31, 2009 12:04 AM

The Chief Executive of the School Food Trust, Judy Hargadon visited schools in York this week. She came to discuss the provision of school meals with the Head Teachers of the two federated schools that are about to be rebuilt. She stressed the importance of offering a hot meal and serving food well in pleasant surroundings.

She was pleased to note that the meals offered in York schools already meet the balance required by the School Food Trust and use locally sourced food.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Children and Young People's Services, Councillor Carol Runciman met Mrs Hargadon at New Earswick Primary School where they enjoyed a school meal together. They discussed the flexible way spaces could be used in schools and the space saving equipment that is now available.

They also talked about the problems created by heavy promotion of snack foods which young people sometimes see as an alternative to a meal.

Councillor Runciman said, "There is a need to continue to educate both children and staff about the benefits of a healthy diet both to children's physical health and to support their learning."

"I was pleased to hear that North Yorkshire County Catering are working closely with York College to enable kitchen staff to achieve NVQs in Professional Cookery and in Customer Service. The use of the Danesgate kitchens for skills training in this area is to be welcomed."

Nine secondary schools and twelve primary schools across York have been part in a pilot project organised by the School Food Trust aimed at improving the take up of healthy school meals.

The pilot began in February with a week of free meals in the schools taking part in the project and will conclude with all meals being on offer for £1 during the week of April the 20th.