The policy, a first for the city, highlights and recommends ways in which children and young people should be learning about food and health and the impact this has on their lives.
The food policy, Better Eating Better Learning, was launched at Lourdes Secondary School today (20 January 2016) where pupils and catering staff were also joined by children from the local primary school, Our Lady of the Rosary.
Bailie Liz Cameron, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning explained, “We pride ourselves in delivering a top-notch school meal service every day in Glasgow.
“Our city is also sector-leading in a number of innovative school meal initiatives that has seen uptake increase over the last few years.
“We can now boast one of the best, cost effective school meal services in the country that conforms to all the nutritional standards.
“The food policy has been written on back of an audit of our practice and in conjunction with Cordia – our school meal provider and we have carried out an extensive consultation seeking the views of schools, parents and catering managers across the city.
“Their views, advice and suggestions have helped to shape the food policy we have now published that will serve the needs of all our pupils’ needs.”
The policy has a number of recommendations for schools – including the introduction of a SNAG (School Food and Nutrition Action Group) in each one of the city’s schools and nurseries.
The SNAG in each school is then responsible for working towards each of the recommendations in the policy.
Bailie Cameron added, “It is our duty to make sure that everyone child and young person in the city is well informed about food and the relationship between food and healthy lifestyles.
“It is only then that they can make the correct healthy choices about food which will have an impact throughout their lives. Good nutrition leads to good learning.”
Links
Glasgow City Council: ‘Better Eating Better Learning – Glasgow schools’ food policy launch’