MP lunchs

Some interesting thoughts about MP lunches in todays Guardian What really galls me is that MPs who earn over £66,000 (plus expenses) are able to take advantage of these subsidised lunches whilst at the same time deny the same generous subsidies to hard working low income families.

We still have families who are under the official poverty line yet cannot claim free school meals. Unbelievable.

Free school meal pilot dropped

Children in Essex schools Lansdowne Primary and Herringham Primary were expecting free school meals as they had been told they were to be taking part in a special trial. However the first day back the parents were told that the PCT and authority had changed its priorities and the scheme had been dropped. Not surprisingly many parents were angry about the lack of notice and the shortsightedness of this decision. Read an account here

I'm back!

Sorry for the long silence - especially when there has been so much going on in the world of UK school dinners! I have broken a couple of bones in my foot during a brilliant Sports day that Sustain: the alliance for better food and farming held. Although it is a relatively minor injury the swelling and bruising mean it is quite painful and I find sitting at the computer uncomfortable. However I am itching to comment on a few issues

1) Trial of universal free school meals.
Well it is early days but initial reports look good. You can read an account of the impact they are having in a school in Durham by clicking here If we are serious about wanting to improve the diet of the nations children then this is the simplest and most cost effective way to do it. Instead of spending money on shiny glossy ad campaigns like change4life persuading children to eat more fruit and veg surely it is better to invest in decent lunches for our children? It is better to lead by example rather than lecture! As well as the health benefits it also gives a boost to local economies - training and employing staff to cook and serve the food creates jobs. If we were really intelligent we could also create a market for small growers and local farmers to supply their local schools with fresh produce.

2) Making it easier for low income families to claim free school meals.
A recent study commissioned by the School Food Trust discovered that up to 1 in 5 low income families didn't realise they were entitled to free school meals. You can have a look at the report here. I think it is absolutely scandalous that the arrangements to claim are so complex. Entilement to free school meals should be automatically triggered when you claim for benefits taking the onus off parents to deal with the paperwork.

3) And finally....

being an avid fan of twitter, (my user name is jackieschneider if anyone wants to be pals!)I absolutely love Somerset County Services who now "tweet" their menu. They also have a great website

Exercise v diet

Has anyone else read the report in todays Telegraph that suggests exercise doesn't really help in the drive to lose weight? It goes on to discuss ideas of re programming body fat and the existence of brown fat. You can read the article by clicking here

For an article concerned about obesity it doesn't spend much time looking at diet and the role of processed foods.

Off on my holidays!

Just wanted to let you know that I will be off on my travels for 2 weeks! I hope to be able to make the odd post but will depend on the connections.

Back on line for sure at the end of August.

Should fizzy drinks be taxed?

I recently heard kelly D Brownwell from Yale University make a convincing case for taxing soft drinks. Have a look at his presentation and let me know what you think.

Overweight soldiers causing concern

A article in today's Observer reveals a leaked memo which shows military commanders are concerned about the number of troops who are "too fat and unfit" to be sent to Afghanistan.

We can't afford to fail our children and young people. Unless we start now to turn the tide of rising childhood obesity we will be living with the consequences for years to come.