Lincolnshire County Council has been chosen for a government pilot project aimed at ensuring school meals meet national guidance, supporting pupils’ health and wellbeing.
As part of the government’s levelling-up plans, the Department of Education and Food Standards Agency will explore whether local authority food safety inspections can be used to check school food standards are being met. The pilot is expected to go live in September.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “It’s vital that schoolchildren have access to nutritious food. A good diet, coupled with physical activity, can reduce the risk of obesity and chronic diseases and improve oral health, helping children lead happier, healthier lives.
“Our food education team already provides a wide range of training, advice and support to local schools, helping ensure pupils are eating well and that menus are tailored for nutritious, enjoyable eating. This new pilot project will provide further assurance for both schools and parents that pupils are getting the food they need to flourish.”
The government’s plans for school food also include £5 million to launch a new national cooking curriculum and training, which includes an ambition for every child to know at least six basic recipes by the time they leave secondary school. Schools will also be encouraged to publish a ‘food statement’ explaining their whole-school approach to food, a move that will eventually become mandatory.