+++++++++++
Labour is to make lentils and chickpeas compulsory in school dinners and ban traditional fish and chips and other fried food in its latest killjoy move as headteachers warn the pricey health drive will lead staffing cuts. The Mail has more.A new healthy eating diktat for school dinners could result in staffing cuts and further “divert money from teaching” as budgets are squeezed, headteachers warned today.
Schools across England will have to cut down on serving pupils sweetened baked desserts under the first new school food standards for more than a decade.
The desserts must contain or be served with fruit as part of the Department for Education’s sweeping overhaul aimed at tackling childhood obesity and tooth decay.
Sugary drinks and foods such as ice cream will also be restricted, while deep-fried foods are cut. Foods high in fat and salt such as pizzas will also have to be limited.
More fibrous wholegrains and pulses such as lentils and chickpeas will be required on menus alongside main meal options at least once a week – while a portion of vegetables or salad should accompany, or be incorporated into, every main meal.
But leaders have warned schools will need additional funding to comply with the new rules, given a kilogram of chicken nuggets costs the same as two chicken breasts.
Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said: “The current funding rate for free school meals is not enough to cover costs.
“Many schools have to divert money from teaching and learning in order to afford this vital provision. It is a case of having to rob Peter to pay Paul.”...<<<Read More>>>....
