Falkirk school meals award will mean ‘increase in quality not a rise in prices’

Falkirk Council is set to receive a distinguished award for school meals, with a promise to elevate quality without raising prices. The council aims to secure a bronze award from Food For Life Scotland, an initiative focused on introducing more locally sourced, seasonal Scottish food into nurseries and schools throughout the country. The move is expected to enhance school menus with locally sourced meat and vegetables, potentially increasing daily meal uptake by around 350 pupils in primary schools alone. A meeting of the council’s executive revealed plans to meet the standards necessary for the award, following discussions with the Soil Association Scotland.

Resource manager Kenny McNeill expressed optimism about the council’s progress towards the bronze award requirements and highlighted the crucial role of staff in the project’s success. Emphasising the importance of maintaining current costs and monitoring meal uptake, McNeill assured stakeholders that any improvements in meal provision would not translate to increased prices for students. The council plans to engage with young people to gather feedback on menu choices and anticipates that serving more meals daily could offset ingredient cost increases while reducing food waste with the aid of technology.

Furthermore, the initiative is expected to benefit students from lower-income households by ensuring they are well-fed and ready to learn. Pupil representative Roisin Kirk raised concerns about potential price hikes, prompting reassurance from McNeill that the council’s priority is ensuring meal quality rather than cost escalation. As the council progresses towards achieving the bronze award, the focus remains on improving the overall dining experience for students while keeping meals accessible and affordable for families.

In summary, Falkirk Council’s commitment to enhancing school meal quality through locally sourced ingredients underlines its dedication to prioritising students’ well-being and academic readiness, exemplifying a proactive approach to improving educational environments and fostering healthy eating habits among the youth.