Ed Balls announces new appointments to the School Food Trust Board

The new appointees are: Ma garet Barrett – a Managing Director of the Cambridge Development Partnership working with organisations in the public and private sector. Margaret began her career as a Home Economics teacher, has several years experience as a university lecturer, and has also held senior positions in the NHS. Dr James Bunn – a general paediatrician with a long term interest in nutrition, who has worked in the UK and internationally. Fiona Gately – a senior executive with over 20 years experience in marketing for the food industry and an adviser on food and health issues. She now manages advocacy campaigns around food issues for business and public sector clients. The appointments will take effect on 1 November 2009 for a period of three years. The new members will replace Dame Maggie Jones, Sir John Oldham and Jeanette Orrey whose terms of office are coming to an end. Balls said: "We have completely turned around school food over the last four years – all schools must now offer pupils a portion of vegetables and fruit as part of a nutritionally balanced meal, instead of the school lunches of the past full of fat, salt and sugar. It takes time to change the eating habits of millions of children but the recent slight increases in take-up at primary and secondary schools tell us that pupils are not put off the new healthy meals." Prue Leith, Chair of the School Food Trust said: "I am delighted to welcome James, Margaret and Fiona to the board of the School Food Trust. They have a wealth of experience combined with a real desire to make a difference. The challenge of increasing the number of children eating school food remains very real. I know the talent and commitment offered by our new board members will help us continue to make progress and ensure we improve the health, well-being and potential of all children and young people."