Reed Welcomes Local School Dinners Initiative

Andy Reed MP wants Loughborough schools to be first in the queue when it comes to getting extra Government money towards improving nutrition of school meals. From September, the Department of Education and Skills will be providing an additional £220 million over 3 years directly to schools and local education authorities throughout the country. This extra money will help transform school meals, providing training for school caterers and improving ingredients as well as other nutrition driven measures.

Reed has taken up the case for Newcroft Primary School in Shepshed who want to use their own kitchens so that fresh produce can be prepared and served locally. Reed said "I am really impressed with Newcroft's desire to use their kitchen in this way". He added "I have asked Jacqui Smith Minister of State for Schools to state specifically what resources and support will be given to Newcroft School."

New or upgraded kitchen facilities will be made a priority through the current school rebuilding and refurbishment programmes. Money for new or upgraded kitchen facilities will come from rebuilding and refurbishment programmes valued at £5.5 bn in 2005-2006 rising to £6.3 bn in 2007-2008 for secondary schools, and at least £1.8 billion to improve primary schools in 2007-8. This money is in addition to the £220 million already mentioned.

Reed stated "it's important that all Loughborough schools gain the maximum benefit from these programmes, and that they get on board as early as possible". Reed said he supported all schools in his Loughborough constituency schools transforming school meals.

Reed went on to explain how these initiatives are not just a question of raising the minimum spend on ingredients to 50p per pupil per day in primary schools and 60p in secondary schools, but are part of a strategic programme to support healthy eating for children.