Parents and pupils are being encouraged to take a fresh look at the delicious and nutritious food on offer in Wolverhampton's schools during National School Meals Week 2014.

Every week tens of thousands of hot lunches are served to children and young people in the city - with some 10,000 pupils eligible for free or discounted meals.

The tasty menus have been developed with help from pupils, parents and school catering staff, and offer plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, alongside popular favourites such as roast dinners, pizza and sausage and mash and vegetarian options, with dishes for special diets by prior arrangement.

Catering staff also offer up special menus, for instance to celebrate Diwali and Bonfire Night, while secondary school pupils can also choose from a range of light bites and sandwiches, cakes and drinks.

Councillor Phil Page, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Schools, Skills and Learning, said: "There's never been a better time to sign your son or daughter up for free school meals.

"Starting this term, all 8,300 Key Stage 1 pupils in Wolverhampton - those in Reception and Year 1 and Year 2 - are eligible for a free lunch at no cost to parents or guardians thanks to the Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. Free milk may also be available to some children.

"Furthermore, many children and young people in Years 3 and above - and nursery aged children receiving full time education - also receive free school meals if their families meet eligibility requirements.

"Even if you are not eligible for free school meals, they offer remarkably good value; priced between £2 and £2.30, they cost less than the price of a hot drink in some shops and restaurants, and save parents the time and effort of shopping for and creating healthy, varied and appealing packed lunches every day.

"Our experienced and dedicated catering staff - many of whom went to school in Wolverhampton themselves - are trained not only in food hygiene, but also in nutrition and allergy awareness, taking pride in producing meals that are healthy, safe and able to satisfy a wide range of tastes and requirements.

"Parents can relax knowing that children and young people that stay at school for lunch are well cared for, well fed and able to relax and enjoy socialising with friends in a safe environment.

"This week is National School Meals Week - and I'd urge parents whose sons or daughters don't have a school meal on a regular basis to take a look at the excellent fare which is on offer and speak to their school to find out more."

To check out the primary and secondary school menus, which are offered on a 3 week rotating basis, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=2945;Title=School menus;.

  • released: Wednesday 5 November, 2014