School meals rise and shine!

The average number of meals served each day in Rotherham schools in 2009/10 rose by 408 to 15,714 - above the target the school meal service had set for this year.

The price change will mean meal prices rise by just 5p when the new school term starts - the first rise for two years.

Parents are also being reminded that their child could be eligible for free school meals. The number of people claiming free meals their children are eligible for rose by 2.1 per cent to 72.9 per cent in 2009/10 - however, the numbers who are eligible has also risen.

Councillor Paul Lakin, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People's Services, said: "We have done everything we can to keep this price change to a minimum to help families in these difficult economic times.

"Last year we froze prices while this year we have added just 5p to the cost for parents and carers, which is a small rise when you take into account the rising cost of food and budget constraints we now face.

"Our school meals still offer great value for money and provide a healthy nutritional meal for pupils in Rotherham."

To help boost meal take up a number of new initiatives have been introduced including a pre-order system for primary school pupils to choose their meals before lunchtime.

A group of schools has also been involved in a project funded by the School Food Trust to market meals to pupils and parents.  

To claim free school meals for your child please telephone: 01709 336006.