Devon's school meals achieves national recognition

Devon is only the third school meals' provider in the country to win a Food for Life Award across the whole service at this level. It will be presented to county councillor Brenda Taylor and the head of DCCS, Sarah Skinner, by Prince Charles tomorrow (20 February). To win the award, Devon had to prove that at least 75% of dishes on the menu are freshly prepared, that more than a third of produce is locally sourced, that menus are seasonal and in-season produce is highlighted, and that menus cater well for all dietary needs in the school population. Devon County Council's deputy leader and executive councillor for children's services, John Smith, said: "We have made a significant investment in improving the quality of school meals in Devon with the Fresh Start menu." Joanna Lewis, policy manager at the Soil Association, continued: "The Food for Life Catering Mark has been launched in response to public concern about the implications of 'cheap food' for health, animal welfare and the environment. "It gives caterers across the public and private sectors a way of proving their commitment to the freshly prepared, ethically sourced food that customers are asking for."