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News 2010

Tasty Menus Boost Anglesey School Dinners

28/07/2010

Tasty new menus using the highest quality ingredients have led to a healthy uptake of school meals on Anglesey.

The number of pupils choosing school meals has risen by six per cent over the past two years across Anglesey’s 52 primary schools, equating to an extra 270 meals everyday. The Isle of Anglesey County Council has worked closely with catering partner Eden Foodservice since September 2008 to develop tasty menus that not only appeal to pupils, but also use highest quality ingredients to meet nutrient based standards including locally-sourced produce wherever possible.

As a result, a third of produce is now sourced locally including meat, fruit, vegetables, milk, bread and mineral water. Eden Foodservice has also engaged with pupils, parents and head teachers to encourage the uptake of school meals, with taster sessions organised to introduce new dishes and menus. The company has also held themed events to celebrate Welsh culture including Santes Dwynwen Day and St David’s Day.

Head of Education Services at the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Gwyn Parri, explained, “The partnership with Eden Foodservice has enabled us to develop the quality of school meals, which has resulted in a wider option of tasty and healthy food for our pupils. The uptake of primary school meals has been very positive and we are impressed with the way the company has contributed to the success of our school meals initiative with pupil and parent taster sessions, staff training and an annual cooks conference.”

All dishes meet strict nutrient based standards that have been developed by Caroline Walker Trust, and form part of the Appetite for Life initiative. These guidelines are designed to ensure that the school meals provide the necessary levels of energy and essential dietary requirements, whilst keeping undesirable nutrients to a minimum. In addition, Eden Foodservice has been working with the Welsh Assembly Government and Appetite for Life Co-ordinator to implement the nutritional standards for the whole of Wales.

Simon James, Managing Director of Eden Foodservice said, “This increase in school meal uptake recognises the efforts of our 200-strong catering team in Anglesey that has worked hard to provide a quality catering solution with improved nutritional standards. Our menus are packed with good, wholesome, delicious dishes and the aim has been to work with all pupils, teachers, parents and employees to promote school meals along with healthy eating attitudes.”

Eden Foodservice has linked up with Meat Promotion Wales to ensure that Welsh lamb and beef is served throughout the year, whilst a local fruit and vegetable supplier provides seasonal produce such as Anglesey potatoes. The menu includes a variety of traditional and more contemporary dishes such as Roast Topside of Welsh Beef, Yorkshire Pudding and Gravy, Welsh Lamb Bolognaise, along with pupil favourites including Ham & Pineapple Pizza and Fish Fingers. Served alongside these main dishes is a wide selection of delicious desserts including Pear & Chocolate Delight, Apple & Strawberry Oat Crumble, Manchester Tart, Jelly and Ice Cream with fresh seasonal fruit also available as a daily choice.

For further information, please contact Jonathan Symons, Weston Partnership on 07799 714005