City’s schools have ‘balanced meals’

Council chiefs have stressed that their free school meals provision offers balanced meals for pupils.

CllrLouiseFarthing,Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for children, learning and skills, said: “Schools that receive the city council’s meals service, including free meals, are distributing food parcels in line with Government guidance.

“Parcels are produced on site and distributed by the school or collected by parents. All other schools and academies have been provided with guidance and support to ensure they aremeetingtheGovernment requirements.”

The city council’s meals service goes to 75 schools and is providing about 3,500 weekly food parcels – with each parcel containing ingredients for five lunches per child. Richard Crane, head of education and skills, said the food within weekly hampers is specified in line with the Local Authority Catering Association guidance.

“Children normally receiving free school meals are being provided with food to create lunches for five days a week, regardless of whether or not they are in school or at home.

“This is an interim measure which was organised at short notice following the announcement of the latest national lockdown on January 4.

"The national free school meals allocation to schools is £11.50 per child, per week and, as well as going towards the purchasing of food, the cost includes packaging and delivery.”

“Schools are given menus showing how the food in each box can be used to create five healthy, nutritionally balanced lunches.”