2nd Apr 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
Sodexo, who provides meals for 35 primary schools and four special schools in Richmond, has launched a new Summer menu – coinciding with the massive 76% rise in the uptake of meals across the Borough.
Since taking over the contract in September last year from a rival company, Sodexo has seen a huge increase in the uptake of meals.
As part of the school meal's success, Sodexo has already held 20 taster sessions in some of the borough's schools, where parents and pupils were given the chance to give feedback on the meals that are being served in school dining rooms.
Sodexo's offer, called 'Just Joules', is a concept designed to make lunchtime fun and attractive to children, whilst educating them to choose a healthy, balanced meal and meeting food-based standards set out by the Government.
The new menus will include healthy fruit smoothies, more seasonal produce and seasonal desserts. Old school favourites such as roast dinners will still be included on the menus. Sodexo will also co-ordinate taster sessions in every school in the borough.
Malcolm Rivers, head teacher at Hampton school, and Richmond Head's Forum representative, commented: "We are very pleased with the menus Sodexo have provided and are very much looking forward to seeing the new options. The food quality is much improved and children now approach lunchtime with more enthusiasm, as a result, many more are taking up the school meal option."
And Mark Hartley, head teacher at Barnes primary school, explained: "Before Sodexo had taken over, a number of parents of children who attend this school had raised a number of concerns about the service. They are now delighted with the food and the children have expressed great satisfaction about their new school menus."