The contract is worth £2.1 million per annum and will run for three years in the first instance with an option to renew.
Chartwells plans to introduce a range of healthy, nutritious and tasty menus, working with island-based food providers to include local, seasonal produce. The variety available at breakfast and morning break times will be extended, with Chartwells working closely alongside schools to encourage uptake of the new offer.
As part of the new partnership, Chartwells will be investing in improvements for Isle of Wight schools, refreshing service counters and upgrading equipment. New methods of cash collection and pre-ordering arrangements will also be introduced to help make ordering easier for parents.
Additionally, Chartwells will run a new apprenticeship programme for five young people aged 16 -18 in each year of the contract. This scheme will offer local people the chance to develop new skills, learn while they earn and gain qualifications such as BTECs and NVQs along the way.
Robin Mills, managing director for Chartwells, said: “The future looks bright for children and young people in Isle of Wight schools. Our shared aim is to reinvigorate the school meals service and provide great improvements in the quality, variety and sustainability of food for children and young people at every school within this contract.
"We want to encourage more children and young people to eat school meals, providing them with the fuel they need to build strong bodies and minds.”