Each primary school lunch not only offers children plenty of tasty and nutritious dishes, but also now complies with new nutrient-based standards which are aimed at helping to change children's eating habits by making it easier for them to have access to healthier foods. The standards specify the levels of a number of nutrients that an average school lunch should provide, meaning that children can now choose more balanced meals at lunchtime.

The menu launched this month, also sees the return of the popular Baked South Coast Fishcake. Specially developed for school children in the south east of England, the delicious fishcakes help to get oily fish into children's diets whilst also supporting the south coast fishing industry. They contain mackerel, rich in essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-6 that are vital to a healthy diet and because the fish is caught locally, it has a shorter distance to travel to reach children's plates, making it more environmentally friendly. Where possible, HC3S try and source ingredients locally and actively supports local food champions Hampshire Fare.

Pupils can select a main meal, a side portion of vegetables, salad and a dessert, which combine to make up a third of the recommended daily intake of vitamins and minerals for a child.

A picnic bag lunchtime alternative will also be provided by HC3S that also meets the Government's nutritional standards. These packed lunches will offer children a variety of sandwich fillings in a range of breads, such as pittas, baps and finger rolls. Fresh fruit, vegetables and salad are offered with both hot meals and packed lunches.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said: "It is important that every pupil gets a balanced meal at school because a healthy diet is linked to improved health and well-being, better behaviour and an increased ability to learn. We know that the most important thing for pupils is taste and because HC3S staff aim to produce meals that are enjoyable as well as nutritional, they are keen to hear the views of children for ideas on how to improve their menus.

"I am confident that this new summer menu more than meets the high levels of nutrition and taste that are demanded by the Government and our pupils."

Copies of the new menu are available by logging onto http://www3.hants.gov.uk/caterers/hc3s-menusandotherinformation/hc3s-primaryschoolmenu.htm

Both the nutrient-based standards and the new, full set of food-based standards will be introduced to primary schools by September 2008, and to secondary schools by September 2009 at the latest.

Looking after Hampshire, looking out for you www.hants.gov.uk/mediacentre Issued by: Suzie Southgate, Media Communications Officer, on 01962 847367