School Meal Costs Reduced to Help Parents and Businesses During Economic Climate

Isle of Wight Council is lowering the cost of school meals at primary and secondary level and is pledging to keep the price frozen until at least September 2010. The prices will be set at the 2007 levels and will come into force from 23 February.

The standard cost of a meal at primary school will be lowered to £1.70, with special meals reduced to £1.60. Meals at secondary level (middle and high schools) will be set at £1.95, with special meals down to £1.70.

Further good news comes with plans to use more Isle of Wight based ingredients that go into school meals. This includes using local companies to source ingredients such as flour, milk, eggs and fresh vegetables, giving the local economy a further boost that will help secure jobs and revenue, as well as ensuring students continue to have access to freshly prepared nutritious meals.

The moves have been made possible following funding obtained from the government's School Meals Standard Funds grant. It's hoped more students will take up school meals, ensuring they have a healthy and balanced diet while in school.

Other areas that will benefit from the funding include extra money being made available to school kitchen budgets, allowing staff to spend more time on preparation of meals.

Isle of Wight Council Cabinet member for Children and Young People Alan Wells said "The reduction of the cost of school meals is a welcome boost during difficult economic times, and is one I am sure parents will be delighted with. Modern day school meals are very healthy and well balanced and are vital part of a young person's diet.

The move will also benefit local produce companies, giving them much needed extra custom. This is fantastic news all round".