CHILDREN with fussy eating habits who have returned to school today may come home having tried something new.

A survey has found that four out of five children who have school meals have tried food that they would never try at home.

The survey, which was carried out by the School Food Trust, polled 100 parents and found that 80% of those with children that eat school meals said their youngsters had experimented with new foods at school.

Half of the parents surveyed also reported that their children had asked them to make dishes that they have eaten at school.

Schools catering manager Chris Wilson who is in charge of the Department of Education and Children’s school meals service said: "It is not really a surprise to those of us who work in the service, as children are remarkably experimental in a school environment.

"School meals have become a much healthier lunchtime balance of foods that pave the way to a healthy lifestyle and we want the meal to be an enjoyable experience where children not only enjoy what they are eating but develop valuable social skills that will stand them in good stead as they grow up.

"It’s not easy getting the balance right with packed lunches. Unfortunately, all the studies show that children eating packed lunches typically take in higher levels of fat, sugar and salt than pupils eating school meals."

Popularity of school meals is growing with around 3,000 served daily in primary schools. A two-course school meal in primary schools costs £1.85.

 
Chris will be at the Isle of Man Food and Drink Festival at the Villa Marina on Sunday, September 26, to talk about school meals and offer parents advice on what to pack in their children’s lunchboxes.