ALL government primary schools now offer hot meals to students each day following the success of a pilot programme launched in 2019.
The scheme allows each student to receive a nutritionally balanced main meal and a dessert for £2.50, with many students – such as those with families on income support – eligible for free meals.
The pilot initiative was launched in September 2019, starting with five schools, in conjunction with local charity Caring Cooks.
Following its initial success, students at Victoria College called for the scheme to be expanded – after they were inspired by England footballer Marcus Rashford’s free school meals campaign.
In 2022, former Education Minister Inna Gardiner announced her intention for hot school meals to be available in all government-maintained primary schools.
In an update yesterday, the government announced that this was now the case – with the programme currently involving two suppliers: Caring Cooks and Apetito, which is based in the UK.
Education Minister Rob Ward said a “remarkable” amount of work had gone into the programme over the past five years.
“We should be proud of the fact that all our children can now have a hot, nutritious meal each day they are in school,” he continued.
“This offering was a priority for good reason; it has huge benefits for our children, young people and their families.
“It works towards reducing inequalities in our society, improves healthy eating and helps to reduce the cost-of-living pressures for Islanders.”
The pilot phase of the programme is planned to run until April 2025, at which point the initiative will be evaluated.
“This evaluation will consider all aspects of the meal service, including nutrition, quality, and feedback from parents, children, and schools,” the government statement added.
