Addressing Food Waste - School Lunches

Please Read - Addressing Food Waste at lunch times

Dear Parents and Carers,

I hope my email finds you well. Recently, we have noticed a significant amount of food waste in the dining hall, which we would like to address together. Many children have become increasingly fussy, often refusing to eat vegetables, fruit, puddings, and even basic items such as mashed potatoes, roast potatoes, and chips—though they will eat French fries.

In an effort to reduce this waste and encourage children to eat a balanced diet, we kindly ask that you take some time to review the dinner menu with your child at home. Please encourage them to try and eat everything on their plate, even if it’s not their first choice. This will help foster healthy eating habits and reduce the amount of food left uneaten. Please only choose food you know your child has tried at home and likes as unfortunately we do not have the facility to offer alternatives.

Given the current situation, we will be implementing the following changes:

1. Reduced Morning Snack Portions: Children will now only be able to purchase half portions of snacks such as half a bagel, half a teacake, or a single slice of toast. A milkshake or juice will also be available.

2. Reduced Portion Sizes at Lunch: To avoid waste, we will reduce portion sizes during lunch. However, children who are still hungry will be welcome to go up for seconds.

Additionally, for those sending packed lunches, we kindly ask that you avoid including new or unfamiliar foods for your child to try for the first time, as we’ve noticed many children are refusing to eat unfamiliar items.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to instil better eating habits in our students while reducing food waste.

Warm regards,

Kerry Forrester