Renfrewshire schools take part in the Culinary Games.

Pupils and school catering teams across Renfrewshire have celebrated International School Meals Day (6 March) by taking part in the Culinary Games.

This year’s theme is the 2014 Commonwealth Games and Renfrewshire schools demonstrated their support for their second teams by offering pupils a Kenyan styled school meal and a selection of sweet treats from Papua New Guinea.

The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of the importance of good nutrition amongst pupils, foster healthy eating habits both at home and at school, and bring some fun to lunchtime.

The specials available on the day included a green bean salad starter with sweet corn, cherry tomato and basil; a choice of two mains, Chicken Kima (curry with rice) or Nyama Na Irio (spicy beef and potato stew); rounded-off with a dessert of banana mousse with mango and dragon fruit.

Pupils could also snack on Ivorian banana pancakes and Papuan banana loaf, which plays into this year’s Fairtrade Fortnight campaign.

This is just one of many themed school meals planned this term. Whether a school meal regular or not, all pupils are welcome to treat their taste buds to something different and can simply turn up and pay on the day.

Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment Policy Board said: “Renfrewshire’s school catering service is changing. Taking part in the Culinary Games is an opportunity for pupils to experience our new approach to school meals that offers pupils wider choice and more inviting environments in which to eat and socialise with friends.

“More primary school pupils are now enjoying the variety that our Grab & Go lunches and Dine-In days provide, while our coffee bars have been a big hit with our secondary schools pupils whose tastes are maturing and want a more sophisticated experience”.

If you think school meals could be a good option for your child visit www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/schoolmeals for more information or ask in school.

Image 1 – Councillor Eddie Devine, Convener of Renfrewshire Council’s Environment Policy Board and Renfrewshire Provost, Anne Hall, sit down to enjoy a Kenyan feast with pupils at East Fulton Primary School.

Image 2 – Renfrewshire Provost, Anne Hall and pupil Benjamin Huthieson tuck into Chicken Kima and Nyama Na Irio prepared by the Catering Team at East Fulton Primary School.

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