Home / Education / School Meals Quality Plummets: Union Demands Council Action
School Meals Quality Plummets: Union Demands Council Action
29 Aug
Summary
- Union reports declining school meal quality and rising costs.
- Council suspended its in-house school catering service in March 2024.
- National report finds most English secondary school meals fail health standards.
A union has called on North Tyneside Council to resume its in-house school catering service, asserting that the quality of meals has deteriorated. The council previously halted its catering operations in March 2024, citing a substantial £3 million annual deficit and decreased participation.
The GMB union highlighted rising costs and lower ingredient quality, advocating for the council to manage the service directly. They emphasized that children's health should not be compromised for cost-saving measures.
This situation aligns with a broader national concern, as a recent study indicated that three out of four secondary school menus in England breach health standards, frequently featuring unhealthy food choices.
Council officials stated the decision was driven by financial constraints, necessitating a review of services for efficiency. They affirmed ongoing collaboration with schools to promote healthy eating and ensure students have access to nutritious meals.
