Fizzy drinks are now off the menu in Caerphilly’s schools as the local authority commits to promoting a more healthy lifestyle for children.
Caerphilly County Borough Council bosses said as part of the Appetite for Life campaign schools will follow strict guidelines to increase the intake of fruits and vegetables, while reducing processed foods.
Robert Hartshorn, Head of Public Protection at Caerphilly County Borough Council said: “Schools are ideal places to encourage children to make healthy eating choices.
“We can offer a range of delicious meals to help to keep our children fit and healthy now and in the future”.
A council spokesman added: “Many schools across the county borough are already taking steps to improve the food and drink they make available to students but we want to make sure this happens in all our schools.
“A child’s behaviour pattern is set very early in life and by the time they reach adolescence behaviours can be very hard to change. School provides an ideal opportunity to convey positive messages on healthy eating to support them through appropriate behaviours.”
Schools will receive new menu cards, signage and newsletters, and everyone will be made aware of the Appetite for Life campaign through social media, bus and radio advertising and Newsline.
There is also a website, https://www.myschoollunch.co.uk/caerphilly, where parents, children and teachers can view menus, find information on school cookery clubs and enjoy fun activities about healthy eating.
What does this mean for your child?
- They will receive at least one portion of fruit and one of vegetable each day in school meals and snacks.
- Fizzy drinks will no longer be available, replaced instead with water and fruit juices.
- School meals will follow guidelines to increase intakes of fruit, vegetables and oily fish, whilst reducing processed foods high in salt, sugar and fat.
- Children will eat together, enjoying the social aspects of dining together.
- Most importantly exploring food will be fun!
I remember St Martins school meals. They were disgusting. And the "Banned" fizzy drinks were just carbonated water. Never bought school food