Over 90,000 school meals served in Carmarthenshire during National School Meals Week

OVER 90,000 school meals were served up in Carmarthenshire during National School Meals Week celebrations.

Dylan the Dragon, the Carmarthenshire Catering Service’s school meals mascot, visited some schools to encourage children to enjoy healthy school meals.

Three Ambassador Lunches were also held, at Llanelli’s Old Road, Tycroes and Nantgaredig schools, where local councillors, MPs, and food suppliers were invited in for a school meal.

The highlight of the week though was a special themed menu featuring a traditional roast dinner – a meal which continues to be a firm favourite in Carmarthenshire schools.

As well as being a special treat for children who normally enjoy school meals, it is hoped that the event has encouraged more children to enjoy a healthy balanced meal during the school day.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s catering department organises themed days across the whole year as well as competitions to encourage pupils to socialise and try new dishes that they might not have experienced before.

Sandra Weigel, Catering Services Manager, said: “The choices children and their parents make about their diet can have a big impact on their health and learning. Events such as National School Meals Week offer us a great opportunity to have some fun and encourage children who may usually have a packed lunch to try a school meal.”

The nutritional value of every school meal is measured by a program called Saffron, ensuring children have a well-balanced, tasty dish to prolong their energy for the afternoon.

Deputy Leader of Carmarthenshire County Council, Cllr Pam Palmer, said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to dine with children during National School Meals Week. It was wonderful to be part of a lively atmosphere where all the children were really savouring their food and the social aspect of eating meals together.”