JerseyGovernment News & Analysis

Call for More Funding for School Meals Amid High Living Costs

A government initiative announced in September will incorporate fresh fruit into a school food program that provides hot meals at government primary schools. According to Catherine Curtis, the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, the inclusion of fresh fruit aimed to address wastage issues. Parents had requested this change, but the initiative did not significantly increase fruit and vegetable consumption among children. This topic was discussed in the States Assembly on September 29, where it was noted that while the scheme has benefits, it has not effectively addressed costs related to living expenses. Deputy Louise Doublet argued for more investment in healthy, locally sourced food to assist families financially. Concerns were raised about the freshness of meals under the contract with UK company Apetito Limited, though it was clarified that meals are frozen rather than preserved artificially. The call for additional funding is seen as a move to offset the high cost of living, providing both economic relief to parents and nutritional benefits to children. This issue is significant as it affects both community health and financial burdens on families.