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FOOD IN SCHOOLS POLICY- A CATERING PERSPECTIVE Janet McAlister. The Aims of NISCA. Established in 2002 following membership of LACA Promote consistent standards of professionalism at all levels of school catering To be a regional consultative body to the NI Assembly/Government
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FOOD IN SCHOOLS POLICY- A CATERING PERSPECTIVEJanet McAlister
The Aims of NISCA • Established in 2002 following membership of LACA • Promote consistent standards of professionalism at all levels of school catering • To be a regional consultative body to the NI Assembly/Government • To develop school catering in order to meet the ever changing and challenging demands
Service Profile • Arrangements for the Provision of Milk, Meals and Related Facilities under provisions of Articles 58 and 59 of the Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 1986. • Breaks, breakfast, hospitality, functions and meals on wheels in some areas. • Approx. 135,000 meals served daily. • 5,000 catering staff.
Service Profile • 1200 locations. • Uptake of meals – 56% • Free school meals – 25% Entitled • FSM - 81% Uptake • Catering for special diets and multi-cultural needs.
Implementing Compulsory Nutritional Standards • Pilot took place in 2004 involving 100 schools. • Rolled out to all schools by 2007. • All schools comply with Lunch Standards 2007 and • Standards for other food and drinks 2008
The Challenges/Concerns • Reduced meal numbers. • Increased cost of production. • Increased workload. • Menus to suit all age groups. • Increased levels of waste food. • Suitability of products.
The Challenges/Concerns • Training needs. • Promoting the service. • Monitoring arrangements. • School vending machines and tuck shops • Other food outlets around school. • Inconsistent messages across the school.
Working Together • School Councils/SNAG groups. • Promotional Activities. • Theme Days. • Training. • Meal Deals. • The dining room environment. • Free school meals uptake. • Loyalty schemes
Engaging Parents • Sending menus home. • The use of the school website • Bring your parent school lunch. • Talks to parents and pupils at open nights. • Food tasting sessions.
Supporting the Policy NISCA – Calendar of Events. September 2013 - Launch of Food in Schools Policy October 2013 - World Food Day November 2013 - American Day December 2013 - Christmas lunch January 2014 - Farmhouse Breakfast week 26th - 31st
NISCA – Calendar of Events February 2014 - National Heart Month March 2014 - International School Meals Day April 2014 - Easter May 2014 - Fruity Friday (World Cancer Research Fund) June 2014 Summer Picnic
NISCA Awards 2014. • Entry submissions must demonstrate how you have implemented a Whole School Food Policy in your school. • Entries by 20th June 2014 • Ceremony in W5 Odyssey Arena 15 October 2014.
Conclusion • The School Catering Service recognises that it is in a unique position to influence the eating habits of children and young people. • Catering staff remain committed to that aim through a Whole School Approach.