There are many great initiatives being carried out in schools to encourage children to eat healthier. We’ve heard of some examples of work carried out in Swansea, which we thought it would be good to share. Read on!
In May of this year the School Meals Working Group got together to look at the quality of current school meal provision and its contribution to healthy eating/ reducing health inequalities in school. The Group heard evidence from experts, but agreed that they would like to receive more information before they could draw together any conclusions or recommendations.
In May of this year a Working Group got together to look at the quality of current school meal provision and its contribution to healthy eating/ reducing health inequalities in school. The Group heard evidence from experts, but agreed that they would like to receive more information before they could draw together any conclusions or recommendations.
Consequently, Working Group members visited some of the local primary and secondary schools, to experience first hand what children are eating and to take a closer look at the school meal service provision.
During their visit councillors heard about a number of initiatives and examples of good practice, which they will be sharing in a letter to their Cabinet Member, along with a number of recommendations.
Some examples of good practice in Swansea Schools:
1. The ‘Patch to Plate’ initiative
This initiative has proven very successful, whereby parents become involved with the planting of seeds, the growing of produce and then eating a meal, using the produce grown;
2. Make your own meal
Another initiative seen in one school is to allow children to choose their own fillings for tortilla wraps and make their own meal. This has proved very popular and has encouraged healthy eating.
3. All day breakfasts
In one school all day breakfasts are provided, which proves very popular and ensures that children receive a good, hearty meal.
4. Determining meal choices at the start of the day
Some schools ask children what they want to eat at the start of the day and pass this information on to the catering staff. This helps to avoid wastage and makes it easier for the correct amount to be produced. The children receive a token from their teacher to indicate their choice of meal, which they pass on to canteen staff at lunch time.
5. School tuck shops offering healthy options
Some schools provide market stalls/ tuck shops selling healthy options at a low cost.
Picture link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/llgc/7928575962/sizes/s/
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