Healthier options on school menus

Children in Staffordshire will be enjoying organic meatballs as part of a new, healthier menu being served up at Staffordshire schools.

The county council's catering service has launched various additions to its range of dishes for primary schools.

Staffordshire's new schools menu sees the introduction of 24 new dishes, including extra vegetarian options such as vegetable frittata or tomato and vegetable bake.

It also features beef meatballs supplied by Lower Hurst Farm, at Hartington, on the Staffordshire-Derbyshire border.

The farm also offers school visits where pupils can learn more about organic farming and meat production.

Councillor Peter Davies, cabinet support member for schools, visited the farm this week to see the meatballs being made.

He said: "It was fascinating to visit the farm and to see exactly how these meatballs, which are now being served in our schools, are produced.

"By encouraging children to eat better in school we will be improving their start in life in a variety of ways.

"Staffordshire Catering Service only uses quality ingredients and is continually sourcing new products from reputable and, where possible, local suppliers to develop their menus."

Lower Hurst Farm manager Nicky Stonebridge said: "We are delighted to be supplying Staffordshire schools with our organic meatballs.

"As well as supplying quality food, we are keen for children to understand where the food they eat comes from.

"We host a number of school visits at the farm, giving children the opportunity to see first-hand how their food reaches their school dinner plate."

More information about the new menu for Staffordshire schools is available at www.staffordshire.gov.uk/ catering