Parents and pupils are being encouraged to take a fresh look at the delicious and nutritious food on offer in Wolverhampton's schools, during National School Meals Week 2015.

Tens of thousands of hot lunches are served to children and young people in the city every week - with around 12,000 pupils eligible for free or discounted meals.

The tasty menus have been developed with help from pupils, parents and school catering staff, and offer plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, alongside popular favourites such as roast dinners, pizza, sausage and mash and hot puddings.

There are also vegetarian options every day, with dishes for special diets prepared by prior arrangement. In addition, secondary school pupils can choose from a range of light bites and sandwiches, cakes and drinks.

Throughout the year, catering staff also offer special menus to celebrate key events, such as Christmas and Diwali, with one to mark Bonfire Night being served to pupils this Thursday (5 November).

Councillor Claire Darke, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Education, said: "We are really proud of the school meals we serve up to thousands of local pupils every day.

"Our experienced catering staff produce meals which are very high quality and meet a wide range of dietary requirements. Above all, they are affordable, nutritious and delicious.

"School meals save parents the time, cost and effort of shopping for and creating healthy, varied and appealing packed lunches every day, and they can relax knowing their children are well fed and can relax and socialise with friends in a safe environment.

"Next week is National School Meals Week - so I'd urge parents whose sons or daughters don't have a school meal on a regular basis to take a look at the excellent fare on offer and contact their school to find out more."

All Stage 1 pupils in Wolverhampton - those in Reception and Year 1 and Year 2 - are eligible for a free lunch thanks to the Government's Universal Infant Free School Meals scheme. Free milk may also be available to some children. Many children and young people in Years 3 and above - and nursery aged children receiving full time education - also receive free school meals if their families meet eligibility requirements.

Councillor Darke added: "Even if you are not eligible for free school meals, they offer remarkably good value; priced between £1 and £2.30, they cost less than the price of a hot drink in some shops and restaurants."

To check out the primary and secondary school menus, which are offered on a 3  week rotating basis, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=2945;Title=School menus;. For more information on free school meals, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=2558;Title=Free school meals;.

  • released: Friday 30 October, 2015