Price freeze served up for school meal

North Yorkshire County Council has announced it will not been introducing any increases in the price of school dinners, which has not been raised since 2010.

However, the Yorkshire Post revealed two years ago that parents in the county were paying among the highest prices in the region for primary school meals. Councillors admitted at the time that the soaring cost of food across the globe was having a knock-on effect on North Yorkshire’s own suppliers for school meals.

But members have now opted to keep the cost of a secondary school meal at £2.76 and the price of a dinner for primary school children at £2.10.

The move is aimed at providing a much-needed respite for parents who are continuing to endure the tough economic climate. However, councillors maintained the move to freeze the price will not be at the expense of reducing the quality of food used.

The council’s executive member for schools, Coun Arthur Barker, said: “We understand the increasing pressure on the family purse at this present time and I am delighted to be able to say that it is business as usual for school meals with the price being held while maintaining the high quality of produce used.

“This is very much a tribute to all our hard working catering staff who are continuing to ensure a quality but low cost service.”

The county council has been at the forefront of the national drive to introduce healthier ingredients in school meals. Fresh meat and poultry sourced from local and regional producers will continue to feature on menus this autumn as will seasonal fruit and vegetables including broccoli, kale, leeks and cabbage. During September and October, children in North Yorkshire schools will have the chance to opt for English apples and pears with their meals.

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