Healthy menu overhaul proposed for Dorset schools backed by school-meals provider
A free school meal provider in Dorset believes new reforms to school menus could make a "meaningful difference" to children’s health and learning
Schools in Dorset could soon see major changes to their menus, as new government proposals to ban deep-fried food and limit sugary treats aim to tackle rising childhood obesity and tooth decay.
The plans, put forward by the Government, would directly impact local providers such as Local Food Links in Bridport, which supplies meals to schools across the county.
Caroline Morgan, chief executive of the Dorset-based provider, said the reforms could make a meaningful difference to children’s health and learning.
“Children have to be offered good choices and a menu that is appealing, contains good healthy options and is also food that’s good to eat,” she said.
Under the proposals, deep-fried food would be removed from school menus entirely, while desserts such as cakes, waffles and ice cream would be limited to once a week - and only if they contain at least 50% fruit.
Schools would also be prevented from offering daily “grab and go” items like pizza and sausage rolls.
The changes come at a time when concerns about children’s health are growing.
Around one in three pupils nationally leave primary school overweight or obese, while tooth decay remains the leading cause of hospital admissions for children aged five to nine.
For Dorset families, Caroline Morgan said the guarantee of a healthy school meal could be especially important amid rising food costs.
“If a family is on a limited budget, it is extremely difficult to just make healthy choices,” she said. “So, it’s good if schools can guarantee a healthy meal in the middle of the day.”
Menus would also shift towards more balanced meals, with dishes such as cottage pie, burritos and spaghetti bolognese served alongside vegetables or salad.
Foods cooked in fat or oil, including chips, would be restricted to twice a week.
Schools would be required to publish menus online under the plans, which are now out for consultation.
Ms Morgan added that well-fed pupils are better equipped to learn: “Children find it easier to concentrate in the afternoon when they’ve had a good meal,” pointing to the benefits of fibre-rich foods such as whole grains.