MIDDLESBROUGH Schools Catering Service is celebrating achieving a top healthy eating award for a second time.
The service has been recognised for its commitment to promoting health through nutrition in Middlesbrough schools.
The Food4Health Awards scheme is an initiative created by Middlesbrough Council’s Improving Public Health service to help local food businesses to meet consumer demand for healthier foods and to raise awareness of the need to have a healthy diet.
Businesses that offer healthy food and promote healthy eating can achieve either a Bronze, Silver or Gold award.
Schools Catering Manager Angela Blower said: “Our school catering service is very proud of the quality of the food it serves and works closely with each Head Teacher to maintain service satisfaction levels.
“The catering teams are well qualified and work together to achieve the best possible service to the children and young people of Middlesbrough.
“More than 11,000 meals are served each school day and provide essential nutrition for pupils.
“This is the second time we have achieved the Gold Food4Health Award and it is further recognition of the efforts made by the catering team to ensure pupils can enjoy a fulfilling and nutritious school meal.”
Councillor Tracy Harvey, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Environment, said: “Pupils need to have a healthy, well-balanced diet that supplies the energy and nutrition needed for their development and to maintain concentration levels in the afternoon sessions in school.
“The school catering service’s aim is to provide food that looks good, and tastes great – the service provides both hot and cold choices, including an extensive salad bar option.
“I am very proud of the quality of the service provided by the management and staff of the schools catering service and I congratulate them on achieving the Gold Food4Health Award.”
Councillor Julia Rostron, Middlesbrough Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, said: “We know that healthy eating and personal development are very closely linked.
“This is why we work closely with our schools, academies and higher education establishments to support their efforts to help students maintain good health and wellbeing.
“The Food4Health initiative has helped to improve the diet of many people in Middlesbrough and the schools catering service is to be congratulated for its commitment to providing healthy meals and its commitment to supporting the nutritional needs of our young people.”