School meals 'go organic' in health push » Education » 24dash.com

The country’s leading child nutritionist has approved healthy school meals in Kensington and Chelsea.

Dr Alexandra Richardson, author of the book ‘They are what you feed them’, gave a presentation to staff, parents and governors of a number of local schools, saying the borough's school meals were 'a shining example of what could be done.'

The evening was introduced by Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, who chairs a working group of the Family and Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Councillor Campbell said: “I am delighted that the hard work of the Council has been recognised by such a leading light. We have been ahead of other local authorities and the prevailing consensus for a number of years.

“I wish to congratulate the Council’s school meals team for their dedication. Having heard Dr Richardson’s talk we are now even more aware of the link between mental well being and healthy eating. 

"Not only do our children enjoy an excellent education but thanks to Colette Levan-Gilroy and her team, they receive highly nutritious meals that enhance every aspect of their performance.

“We are currently reviewing the success of our school meals and are determined to keep offering value for money.”

The Council policy on school meals currently includes the following:

. All fruit, vegetables and milk products in all Royal Borough schools are organic
. All dishes are prepared using only fresh ingredients
. Many additives are banned and restrictions are in place on the amount of sugar and salt in each meal
. All nut products have been banned for the last seven years
. All eggs are free range and only food free from genetically modified ingredients is used
. Certain foods are served sparingly, e.g. burgers and sausages are only permitted once every two weeks, while fish fingers can be eaten once a week
. Home-made sponge-based desserts may be used no more than twice in any one week
. Fresh fruit and salads are available every day

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