Free school meal week for new starters

Free lunches are being laid on for new starters at borough schools next week.

More than 1,300 five-year-olds starting in Year 1 at 42 schools across the borough are being offered free lunches for their first week, courtesy of the  Royal Borough and its school meals contractor Harrison Catering Services.

The idea is to introduce the children to the nutritious meals from day one.
Normally the meals cost £2 per day.

Cllr Eileen Quick, cabinet member for children’s services, said:  “We believe that when the children have tasted the food for themselves and discovered just how delicious it is, they will want to carry on having school meals in the future.”

The offer starts from Thursday, September 4 and will run for up to seven days.

Here's what will be on the menu:

Thursday, September 4 
Baked Maryland Chicken with New Potatoes
Cheese and Tomato Pizza with New Potatoes and Salad
Seasonal Vegetables
Bread Selection
Salad Selection
Pineapple Upside Down Cake and Custard
Fruit Yoghurt
Fresh Fruit Platter

Friday, September 5 
Battered Fish with Lemon Wedge with Chunky Chips
Vegetarian Meatballs with Spaghetti
Seasonal Vegetables
Bread Selection
Salad Selection
Banana Loaf
Cheese and Biscuits
Fresh Fruit Platter

Monday, September 8 
Beef Casserole with Boiled Potatoes
Macaroni Cheese with Salad
Seasonal Vegetables
Bread Selection
Salad Selection
Fruity Flapjack and Milk
Cheese and Biscuits
Fresh Fruit Platter

Tuesday, September 9
Salmon & Broccoli Quiche with New Potatoes
Cheese and Pineapple Pizza with New Potatoes and Salad
Seasonal Vegetables
Bread Selection
Salad Selection
Toffee Date Cake and Custard
Fruit Yoghurt
Fresh Fruit Platter

Wednesday, September 10 
Baked Ham with Gravy and Roast Potatoes
Jacket Potato with Tuna Mayonnaise or Baked Beans
Seasonal Vegetables
Bread Selection
Salad Selection
Apple and Pear Crumble and Custard
Cheese and Biscuits
Fresh Fruit Platter

Thursday, September 11 
Barbecue Chicken with Savoury Rice
Tomato Basil Pasta with Crusty Bread
Seasonal Vegetables
Bread Selection
Salad Selection
Chocolate Sponge and Chocolate Sauce
Fruit Yoghurt
Fresh Fruit Platter

Friday, September 12 
Breaded Fish with Lemon Wedge and Chunky Chips
Vegetarian Lasagne with Warm Bread and Salad
Seasonal Vegetables
Bread Selection
Salad Selection
Mandarins and Ice Cream
Cheese and Biscuits
Fresh Fruit Platter