Stevenson Welcomes Healthy Improvement to Local School Menus

Banff & Buchan MSP Stewart Stevenson has welcomed news that new healthier menus will be introduced in local primary schools after the summer break. Previously each school devised its own menu along pre-determined guidelines but new standards under the Hungry for Success initiative have led the Council's Catering Services to adopt a new approach.

The new menus will meet nutritional recommendations set by the Scottish Executive in the Hungry for Success initiative, having been nutritionally analysed and balanced over each week. The selections featured on the new menus will have lower fat, salt and sugar content and provide sufficient iron, calcium and vitamins.

A standardised menu now covering all schools has been compiled, and the SNP MSP has written to Aberdeenshire Council’s Chief Executive, Alan Campbell, urging the council to use locally sourced produce, to ensure high quality and freshness.

Speaking from his constituency office, Mr Stevenson said:

“Providing our children with healthy and nutritious food at school is one of the most important contributions we can make to the future well-being of our nation. Here in the North-east we produce and harvest the finest of natural foods, and it therefore makes sense for schools to take advantage of this position.

“There is the potential for a double win, with local schools getting healthy, fresh, high quality foods, and the local economy also getting a boost from schools local sourcing. I have written to Aberdeenshire Council urging them to make use of this welcome opportunity.”