School lunches in Warrington have come a long way from the days of spam fritters and lumpy mash. Students in the town are now treated to delicious and nutritious meals prepared fresh each day. National School Meals Week is being celebrated in schools across Warrington to highlight the hard work of kitchen staff who ensure children are well-fed during the school day.
Students can enjoy a variety of dishes like sweet and sour chicken, spaghetti bolognaise, and roast dinner with all the trimmings. The menus are carefully planned to appeal to young appetites and provide essential nutrients. Additionally, themed days throughout the year allow children to experience different cuisines from around the world.
Margo Fleming, who has worked in the school meals service for 18 years, shared her experience of working in the industry. She emphasized the importance of providing high-quality, nutritious meals to children and ensuring their safety, especially for those with allergies or dietary requirements. Margo finds her job rewarding and takes pride in seeing children enjoy the meals prepared by her team.
Warrington Borough Council’s school meals service plays a crucial role in providing meals to the majority of primary schools in the area. The menus offer a variety of options, including vegetarian and vegan dishes, to cater to different preferences. By promoting healthy eating habits through fresh and balanced meals, the council aims to support students’ concentration and performance in the classroom.
Margo reflected on the changes in school dinners over the years, particularly since Jamie Oliver’s campaign to improve them in 2005. The focus is now on creating nutritionally balanced meals from scratch and sourcing sustainable ingredients. She expressed pride in the council’s dedication to producing appetizing and tasty food for the children of Warrington.
In addition to her professional experience, Margo shared fond memories of her own school days and enjoying meals like tatties and mince or fish Fridays with chips. These personal experiences further emphasize the significance of school meals in creating positive memories for students and ensuring they receive nourishing food during the day. Through initiatives like National School Meals Week, the efforts of school kitchen staff are recognized and celebrated for their dedication to providing quality meals for children.
