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Why should I choose a school lunch for my child? |
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This is what Peter Gomer, Assistant Director for Communities has to say about primary school catering in Caerphilly County Borough Council.
“Having been involved in school catering for many years, the jokes about lumpy custard and soggy cabbage could not be further from the truth. In fact, there has never been a better time to stay for a school meal. We have many years experience in feeding children in schools and know the important part that school lunches play in the whole school day. A good quality balanced lunch will help your child concentrate during lessons and let off steam at play times and recharge their batteries for the afternoon and we offer an excellent healthy choice menu at only £1.75 for a 2 course meal and drink.
Starting Primary School for the first time is an important and exciting step for your child. We'd like to make sure that every child feels both welcome and cared for throughout their school day, which is why Cati, our school meals mascot, would like to invite your child to join her at lunchtime.
Schools are ideal places to encourage children to eat healthier options so helping to prevent childhood obesity and other health problems. Our experienced and fully trained catering staff can support you in caring for your child by following a healthy and tempting menu that meets Welsh nutritional guidelines.
We work in partnership with Caerphilly Health Alliance Nutrition Sub Group and one of our main priorities is to increase the uptake of fruit and vegetables by children. Caerphilly Catering Services has taken action in furthering this aim in its over arching initiative of Healthy Food Trainers by introducing a scheme called ‘Veg of the Week’. Our Healthy Food Trainers have been active in promoting this scheme and training our staff. Each week a different vegetable will be promoted and will feature on the menu as a tasty new dish. Pupils will be encouraged to eat the nourishing vegetables and learn more about them. We are proud to announce that we have won an Award For Action Locally (AFAL) award from the Food Standards Agency Wales for our Healthy Food Trainers initiative.
Benefits of a School Meal
There are many benefits in your child having a school meal we’ve listed a few;
- Time saved in the mornings not having to prepare lunch, plus there’s no worry about keeping the food fresh and hygienic until lunchtime.
- Children benefit from sitting down and eating together at a table and are encouraged to try new foods.
- Meals are balanced and healthy and there is variety from one day to the next.
- We cater for vegetarians, special needs including medical diets and religious needs.
- We have strong links with the local leisure centres through Cati who is our fit and healthy crocodile character.
- Your child can join in with promotions, competitions and fun days
- Your child can join in with special meals that link in with subjects being taught in class
- Enjoy events such as a Christmas party lunch and other special themed menus
- 2 Course Meal and Drink for only £1.75
- Our website will enable us to have stronger links with schools via the curriculum, therefore, helping us to develop your child
The Food We Use & How We Use It
- We only use approved suppliers and manufacturers
- We buy food locally wherever possible
- We work to ensure emerging trends can be catered for, eg currently looking at Organic, Local and Fair Trade products.
- We do not use meat products that contain MRM (mechanically retrieved meat)
- The following additives are not allowed in the food we provide as they cause the most concern to children’s behaviour: E110, E102, E107, E123, E120.
- We do not knowingly use food containing GM (Genetically modified) ingredients
- We take care to limit the amount of salt used in cooking and bought-in foods.
- Wherever possible we oven cook food to reduce the fat content in our dishes.
- We have modified our recipes to reduce sugar and fat and increase fibre.
- We encourage eating ‘5 a day’ fruit and vegetables. The school meal can provide two of these essential healthy foods every school day.
- We comply with the National Nutritional Standards for school lunches.
- We actively promote and encourage healthy eating and like to make eating meals an enjoyable and valuable experience.
Caerphilly Catering Services is a non-profit making service and is committed to delivering the highest standards of quality and service.
School meals are excellent value for money they not only provide great food but are great fun too! “So why not treat your child to a school meal.”
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