Consultation opened for healthier school meals plans

Local TV

The Welsh Government have said the ‘time is right’ to propose a massive overhaul of school meals, and wants to hear from parents, teachers, young people and food suppliers over the healthier proposals. They hope that with healthier meals, comes healthier habits for young people in Wales.

Transcript

00:00A new consultation has been launched by the Welsh Government that could change what's

00:06on the menu in primary schools all across Wales, and with school meals free for primary

00:10aged children across the country, it could impact thousands of young learners.

00:15The Welsh Government is asking for views on proposals to increase the amount of fruits

00:19and vegetables served in school meals, while limiting sugary desserts and fried foods,

00:23all in line with UK dietary guidelines.

00:26The goal is to ensure children are getting nutritionally balanced meals at school,

00:30while promoting healthy eating habits from a young age.

00:33Evidence shows that many children are eating too much sugar and not enough fruit,

00:37veg or whole grains, contributing to health concerns like childhood obesity,

00:41as figures show that as many as one in four reception aged children in Wales are overweight or obese.

00:47The proposed changes come as part of the Healthy Weight, Healthy Wales strategy,

00:51which is committed to updating school nutrition rules.

00:54Now that free school meals have been rolled out to all primary pupils in Wales,

00:57the Government says that the time is right to act.

01:01The Education Secretary, Lynne Neagle, said good nutrition helps young people perform at their best,

01:06in the classroom, in sport and beyond, and that these evidence-based changes

01:10will support both children's futures and Welsh food producers.

01:14She's encouraging parents, teachers, food suppliers and young people to take part in the consultation

01:19to make sure the new standards work for everyone.

01:23Public Health Wales is backing the plans,

01:25saying that stronger regulations could help form lifelong healthy eating habits,

01:29while also supporting the local economy and a more sustainable food system.

01:34Consultation is open now, with the hope that schools can help lead the way in improving children's long-term health across Wales.

01:40This is Peter Watkins, reporting for local TV.

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