Food in schools

We all know that children and young people need the right balance of food and nutrients to grow and develop. Research shows that many of our children and young people in Scotland are not eating enough fruit or vegetables and are eating too much food which is high in fat, sugar and salt.

Our school lunch menus contain less fat, sugar and salt and are now better balanced, healthier and more nutritious.

This means:

• healthy meal choices
• at least two portions of fruit and vegetables every lunchtime
• chips are only served as a part of a main meal
• less deep fried food
• oily fish

Additional benefits of school lunches include:

• School meals provide your child with the opportunity to develop social skills while they enjoy eating with other children.
• Research has shown that a healthy, nutritious school meal can provide your child with the energy required to concentrate in class and cope with the demands of the day.
• School meals are excellent value for money

Legislation

The Schools (Health Promotion and Nutrition) (Scotland) Act 2007 and the Nutritional Requirements for Food and Drink in Schools (Scotland) Regulations 2008 follow on from Hungry for Success and have now been implemented in all our primary and secondary schools. They cover all food and drink provided in school, not just school meals. The focus is on getting the balance right and helping pupils make informed choices.