Pupils at two Spalding primary schools are benefiting from new kitchen pods providing hot and nutritious lunches.
St Paul’s and St John The Baptist were two of seven schools in the county to have stand-alone, fully equipped kitchen pods installed after Lincolnshire County Council won a £1.2m bid from the Department for Education under the universal free school meals programme.
And Long Sutton Primary will have a new purpose-built kitchen opening in early 2016.
St Paul’s and St John’s are now providing their pupils with menus and food education linked to growing and cooking. And hot meal take-up is increasing as children tuck in and enjoy balanced, wholesome meals.
St Paul’s headteacher Kira Nicholls said: “The impact of the school’s kitchen pod has been dramatic.
“I have been stunned at the increased volume of fresh vegetables, salad and fruit that is now being consumed!
“The children are really enjoying their freshly prepared hot school meals and have had the opportunity to try a range of new foods, as well as learning about growing some of the ingredients for the cook to use.
“All of these things combined will set them up for life and help them to make informed healthy eating choices today and in the future.”
St John’s headteacher Paul Reid said: “We are delighted to have a school kitchen on site at St John’s.
“After just a few weeks it is already having a very positive impact as children much prefer the variety and freshness of meals cooked on the premises by our own cook.
“The new school kitchen has been the catalyst for the school engaging in a number of projects that will support children’s learning about growing and cooking food, including the development of a school allotment. We hope that these will help youngsters develop an understanding about the food they eat and where it comes from.”
County councillor Patricia Bradwell, executive member for children’s services, said more than 2,500 Lincolnshire pupils now have access to nutritious hot meals which are cooked on site, with some pods also providing for neighbouring schools.”
