New menus are developed for the start of the school year. On offer is a wide variety of nutritious, high-quality and locally-sourced produce which will meet the Government’s standards for all 14 main nutrients, and for levels of carbohydrate, fat, protein and fibre. Menu items have been analysed using the ‘Saffron Nutritional Analysis System’, software which monitors the levels of nutrients present in food.
In recent years our menus show an increase in the use of:
- fresh fruit and vegetables
- seasonal and local produce
- local fresh meat and poultry
- non refined carbohydrates
- healthier cooking methods
and a reduction in the use of:
- processed foods
- food additives
- fat, sugar and salt.
The school meals service provides its meals from traditional kitchens without the use of mass production or re-heating processes and sources its ingredients as locally as possible.
- Meat and poultry products used on the menus are sourced from within the region and are mainly supplied by Bath District Farmers. All of these products meet the ‘Red Tractor Assured Food Standards’.
- Eggs used in schools - which are all free range - are from Paxcroft Farm.
- All fish products used on the menu meet the ‘Marine Stewardship Council’ standards.
The new menus aim to reflect the extensive research that has been conducted with head teachers, pupils and parents, as well as meeting the national School Food Standards.