Parents line up for taste of new school meals

2.15.13pm GMT Sat 22nd Sep 2007

To mark the launch of exciting new lunch menus in the borough's primary schools, parents are being invited to a series of taster sessions.

Five primary schools have been inviting parents back to the canteen to try the high quality, nutritious menus served up by new food and facilities management services provider, Sodexho. The company signed a deal with Richmond Council during the summer to provide meals in 36 of the borough's primary schools and its two special schools. The meals are based on a careful balance of protein, carbohydrates, steamed vegetables, fruit and desserts, and conform to government guidelines. They have already proved a hit with almost every participating school reporting an increased take up since their introduction at the start of term. Initial taster sessions are being held for parents and carers at Archdeacon Cambridge's, Barnes Primary, Orleans Infant, Stanley Junior and Trafalgar Infant and Junior School, with more planned in the near future.

Cllr Malcolm Eady, Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Education on Richmond Council, said: "Improving the health and well-being of our children is paramount and providing nutritious school meals is key. It's also important to teach the importance of eating a healthy and well-balanced diet from an early age as children will take these habits into later life. The Council is working in partnership with schools and Sodexho to ensure the new meals meet these high standards but are also fun and attractive to children. They are already proving popular, with an increased take up in almost every school. It's important for parents to know exactly what their children are eating and these taster sessions will give them a chance to try the food themselves. They may even get a few new recipe ideas!"