School meals uptake rise in Dumfries and Galloway

The Council’s Education committee heard that the uptake of school meals has continued to increase in Dumfries and Galloway.

The uptake in primary schools has grown by 1.4%. The uptake in secondary schools has grown by 3%. This continues a positive trend. In 2012/13, the percentage of pupils who took a meal in primary schools was 60% (Scottish average 53.2%). The percentage of pupils who took a meal in secondary schools was 49.5% (Scottish average 43.7%).

School meals across Dumfries and Galloway provide high quality food, sourced from local suppliers whenever possible. Jeff Leaver, chairman of the Education Committee, said, “Evidence clearly shows the link between good nutrition and pupils’ learning, memory and behaviour. To maximise the potential of our pupils, it’s vital that we can offer healthy meal options that appeal to pupils. They also give us the chance to positively influence young people’s future eating habits, while they socialise with their peers. ”

Stephen Thompson, chairman of the DGFirst Management Committee, said, “The increasing uptake of school meals in our region is evidence that we’re providing a service that pupils and their parents want. It is of great credit to our catering staff that they are able to produce a range of attractive nutritious meals that our pupils want to eat.”