Price of school dinners frozen in Staffordshire

The cost of school dinners in Staffordshire has been frozen until summer 2013, education bosses announced today.

The cost of school dinners in Staffordshire has been frozen until summer 2013, education bosses announced today.

Primary school meals will continue to cost £2.10 and secondary schools will charge £2.20. Chiefs say the freeze will support families struggling to make ends meet.

It is the second year running that the county has been able to avoid a price hike, meaning prices have remained static since April 2011.

Council bosses say this has been achievable partly by cutting down on food miles. Between 50 and 70 per cent of all school fruit, vegetables, milk, bread and meat is now sourced closer to home, with the knock-on advantage of helping local businesses.

The authority made £300,000 savings last September by choosing more local suppliers for several products including lamb, cheese, cocoa, pasta and sauces. Costs are now reviewed on a term-by-term basis because of the varying price of fuel and electricity as well as food. The price covers a two-course meal and drink. Portion sizes have remained the same.

Councillor Liz Staples, cabinet member for education, said: "We are committed to providing healthy food for young people at affordable prices.

"This price freeze will help to support families and means they can continue to enjoy great value for money for good nutritious meals."