18/10/2006 - Seminar on new school meal guidelines

A seminar bringing kitchen managers and cooks up to date with new Government Nutritional Standards is being held at the Methodist Church Hall in Penrith next Tuesday (24 October).

Organised by Cumbria County Council's strategic and commercial procurement team, 'Food, Flair and Following Guidelines' is for schools which operate their own school meals service.

The aim of the seminar is to introduce the new standards and help schools to continue to provide quality meals which will aid children in leading healthier lives.

The seminar will include:

- A food presentation showing innovative ways to include oily fish in pupils' diets

- A presentation on the new food based standards for school meals by Vivien Prendeville.   Vivienne is a registered dietician and public health nutritionist who works with Cumbria's Healthy Schools Initiative

- A presentation by Graham Lewis, Principal Buying Manager, on how the new standards are impacting on food procurement

- Information on new Environmental Health legislation by Eden District Council

Pam Sumner is the performance and services manager within the council's procurement service.   She said:

"In-house catering managers can feel somewhat isolated and this is a great opportunity for them to get together to share their thoughts and ideas, good practice and menus.

"We believe this event will prove to be a success and we are considering organising similar seminars on a regular basis."

ENDS

Further information from Alison Lister, media team on 01228 606335

Notes for Editors

The council's strategic and commercial procurement team provides advice on all aspects of procurement, purchasing, tendering and contracting, including services such as school meals. They work closely with the Cumbria Healthy Schools Team, who support over 200 schools in the county to develop health related activities including personal, social and health education, sex and relationships, drugs education and emotional health and well-being. Many schools have also looked at food and balanced eating, citizenship, safer routes to school, physical activity and school councils.