Finally…Pupils Eating The Healthy Way!!

A recent research in UK has revealed that at last children are turning towards healthy school meals. The study, which was conducted by Local Authority Caterers Association (LACA) found that the number of primary school children eating school dinners has increased for the first time since healthier meals were introduced.

The figures which stood at 41.3% for English primary schools last year have now gone up to 43.6%. This is a good trend as it will promote overall health in the country.

After TV chef Jamie Oliver began his campaign for good quality school dinners in 2006, the ministers banned junk food from school canteens and vending machines. Also, new rules and regulations were brought into force in order to make food healthier in English schools.

Prue Leith, chair of the School Food Trust, said that it is not possible to suddenly change the eating habits of teenagers as they have a mind of their own. It will take time as more food education and a much greater effort on the part of schools is needed.

Leith added that it will take time to encourage caterers to accept newer and healthier foods. For this very reason, the nutrient based standards have been divided over the next two years. The caterers as well as the School Food Trust are ready to accept this challenge.

However, the secondary schools have shown a reverse trend with the take up of healthy food going down by 0.5% this year, the survey found. Last year, the number of children eating school meals saw a drop in three quarters of council areas. This was accredited to the rising prices of the new healthier dinners. Therefore the new Government is looking for more and more use of fresh ingredients.