Healthier meals on the menu at Slough's schools
Slough’s schools are serving up healthier meals than packed lunches, according to a survey conducted by Slough Borough Council.
A recent study of all primary and special schools in the borough showed that:
* An average of 93 per cent of children eating school meals, rather than packed lunches, were provided with a balanced meal
* An average of 89 per cent of children eating school meals had vegetables
* An average of 46 per cent of children chose fruit at lunchtime
When compared to school meals, only 31 per cent eating packed lunches had a balanced diet, whilst an alarmingly low percentage had a vegetable – at just eight per cent.
The survey was conducted by Slough Borough Council and Berkshire East Primary Care Trust to see how Slough school meals measured up to the new government standards. A total of 7,376 school meals and homemade packed lunches were recorded, specifically noting balanced meals, fruit, vegetables and dairy drinks.
Government legislation on school meals states that healthier products, such as fruit, vegetables, oily fish, bread and drinking water should be on the menu. Confectionery is not allowed, whilst salt, snacks and deep fried foods are restricted.
It was also found that catering staff were very friendly and hard working and the dining rooms well managed to reduce queuing.
Jo Ricketts, school food advisor for Slough Borough Council, said: “The school meal results are very positive for the town, with 84 per cent of schools meeting the nutritional standards ahead of schedule.
“The outcome of the survey shows how committed schools in the borough are to ensuring children are eating healthier foods.
“The catering staff are doing a great job and working hard to encourage children to have vegetables with their meals. This will no doubt help them to understand about choosing balanced meals and the benefits later on in life.
“However, packed lunch results were a little disappointing. Schools now need the help of parents to ensure a whole school approach to healthy eating.”
Commissioner for education and children’s services, Cllr David Munkley, added: “The results are very reassuring for both the schools and parents.
“It is difficult these days to ensure children are eating the right kinds of foods, but the schools are working very hard to help them make the right decision.”
Slough Borough Council