Parents’ fury after primary schools BAN packed lunches for ‘healthier’ school dinners
PARENTS are furious after primary schools banned packed lunches so the kids have to eat "healthier" hot dinners instead.
Four schools in Norfolk have introduced the ban for under sevens as they say their free meals are better for children.
The HEART Education Trust said any packed lunches taken in will be returned uneaten as it tries to cut back on plastic and food waste to “make a positive difference to preserving the planet for our children.”
The change impacts pupils at Heartsease Primary Academy, Valley Primary Academy, Lingwood Primary Academy and Henderson Green Primary Academy, which are all near Norwich, Norfolk.
But the move has gone down like a lead balloon with more than 500 parents who have signed an online petition.
It was set up by mum-of-three Sam Gravener, 28, whose five-year-old son Fred attends Heartsease Primary Academy.
She said: “Fred’s school have BANNED packed lunches. They did not consult parents. They did sent out an email informing parents of this three days before the end of term.
"They have said hot dinners will be compulsory. We do not agree with this and are calling for the change to be reversed.
“Parents have expressed concerns that their children will not eat, that they may go hungry and have an effect on their learning."
She added there are also fears school food isn’t necessarily as nutritious as some home packed lunches
A letter sent out to parents reads: 'Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will no longer be able to bring in their own packed lunch.
'This decision was taken by the headteachers and the Executive Board in conjunction with Norse Catering.
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'From 6th January children will have a choice of lunch from the new menu – offering four choices.
'Alternatively, if you really feel your child will not benefit from one of the four nutritious choices on the menu, you may take them home for lunch.
It went on: 'We are disappointed to learn that some parents are not supportive of this proposal which has been agreed to ensure that children have at least one hot meal a day that is nutritionally balanced in line with stringent government guidelines for all maintained, free schools and academies.
'Research shows that only 1% of home packed lunches meet the nutritional standards that apply to school food.
'Healthy food is vital to children’s concentration, learning, mood and well-being. We are passionate about our children having the healthiest start to life possible.'
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Under the Universal Free School Meals scheme, all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are currently entitled to a free school meal regardless of income.
Ms Gravener added on her petition on change.org: “We’ve been told lunches sent from home will be returned uneaten. That choices will be given. That it’s ‘better’ for the children and the school.
“We have been ‘reminded’ that these meals are funded for early years in a condescending manner suggestive that we should be grateful."