Our aim is to provide a nutritionally balanced meal to every pupil  who wants one and to encourage them to take a school meal. Every day we try and ensure that pupils have a happy eating experience with us, in a safe and secure environment.

There are plenty of choices to make and we encourage pupils to take a balanced meal and try new foods.

In Secondary schools we operate a Cash Cafeteria style service with an extensive choice of main meals, snacks, sweets, salads and fruit. If a pupil buys a main course with vegetables and a sweet, they get it at an advantageous set price, or they can buy a selection of a la carte items at individual prices.

In our Primary sector schools there is always a vegetarian option, which is generally part of a selection of three main courses, with a sweet choice. Every day there are salads, bread, fresh fruit and yoghurts. We pride ourselves on having 75% of dishes on our menus prepared from fresh ingredients, using a recipe book tailored to the service.

The School Meals Strategy is linked to Luton’s corporate objectives in particular to reduce health inequalities and improve the health of children and young people.

Childhood obesity where the Children & Young People Strategy Board (CYPSB) have prioritised the prevention and management of overweight and obesity in children and young people.

The initiatives are:

• Menus designed to encourage a healthier choice in schools
• Working together with Headteachers / teachers to include healthy living in the school curriculum
• Training catering staff in understanding the principles involved and promoting healthy meals to pupils
• Using promotional material in school dining rooms to highlight the benefits of a healthy life, eg sports personalities posters, attractive posters displaying healthy foods
• As identified in our marketing plan, the use of a points collection for healthy choices towards a reward
• Competitions for all age groups with good health as themes, materials and prizes to be donated by suppliers
• Using colour coding on menus and service counters to identify healthy choices
• Including a special promotion in National School Meals Week to highlight the benefits of healthy living
• Publishing achievement of schools gaining ‘Heartbeat’ and ‘Healthy School’ awards in local press and internal newsletters