More locally sourced fruit and vegetables will make up school meals in Brighton and Hove, the council has announced today.
New menus in primary and special schools across the city include fresh-baked bread, free-range eggs and at least two of the recommended five portions of fruit and veg a day.
Council cabinet member for children and young people, Sue Shanks said: “We want to encourage our children to have school lunches so that they have at least one good meal a day, because all the research shows that this improves classroom learning and behaviour.”
Fresh bread is baked on site daily at all schools – children have been enjoying freshly baked bread including garlic bread, tomato bread, and twin bread.
During the last two weeks approximately 2,000 loaves of fresh bread have been baked in Brighton and Hove schools.
Fresh sponges are also made from scratch on site using free range eggs.
UK Red Tractor farm assured meats reared to high welfare standards and sustainably sourced fish are also on the menu.
Supplier Eden Foodservice is working towards Marine Stewardship Council accreditation
Local company Tastables is supplying fruit and vegetables twice a week. In the longer term this should ensure improved access to more seasonal, locally procured items when suitable, available and affordable.