Primary school children across the borough have been tucking into a lunch with a difference this week, with a special Turkish themed menu provided by the council’s Contract Services team.

Traditional Turkish treats such as cous cous salad, falafel and roasted Mediterranean vegetables were all on offer to Tower Hamlets children, as part of Turkish Day Lunch - held on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 February.

The Turkish menu was specially created by the council’s Contract Services team, who provide lunches to all primary and some secondary schools in Tower Hamlets. All food provided meets the expected nutritional requirements for school meals and contributes to a healthy, balanced diet for the students.

Cllr Clair Hawkins, Lead Member for Children’s Services at Tower Hamlets Council says the theme days help children learn new things as well as have fun:

“The theme days give children the chance to try something completely different and also learn more about other cultures.

The children certainly had fun this week, and with Turkey becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination some of the students may even get to enjoy similar foods on holiday with their family.”

As well as enjoying their Turkish treats, the students were also able to take part in a competition to win a scooter during the themed lunches. 10 scooters were up for grabs, with colouring pens given to the runners up in a quiz on all things Turkish.

Tower Hamlets Council’s Children’s Services’ Contract Services organise regular theme days to introduce children to new foods and to provide them with a diet that is both interesting and healthy. Parents and carers can find out more about the lunches their children can enjoy at school by visiting www.myschoollunch.co.uk/towerhamlets.gov.uk