Brad Pearce, managing director at CATERed, said: “We’ve asked pupils across our 67 primary schools to send us 50 words to tell Ed why they are interested in school food and healthy eating and why they would like to represent their school and their locality on the citywide children’s food panel.
“We will then bring the successful pupils together three times each academic year as a ‘board of directors’ to meet suppliers, try new foods and ingredients, experience some theatre-style cooking and help inform and plan the forthcoming menu.
“We believe that this is a fantastic opportunity for pupils to meet with suppliers, understand the sourcing, buying and menu planning process for the CATERed school food business and have a real stake in the food they receive and the running of the business.”
The idea for a children’s panel was formed after the board of headteachers looked at how to involve customers more actively and to ensure CATERed’s menus are attractive and child friendly.