Pupils in Southampton design their own school meals

Southampton Healthy Schools Team worked in partnership with Southampton City Council to run a 'Design your own school meal' competition in June. This entailed pupils drawing a main meal and dessert and explaining why the whole meal was healthy. Schools were encouraged to incorporate the competition into their healthy eating curriculum and all Year 5 pupils (aged 9-10 years old) across Southampton's primary and junior schools were invited to take part in the competition. School Cooks picked two winners out of nearly 600 entrants. The winning pupils were recognised at an event on Wednesday 10 November 2010, which coincided with 'National School Meals Week.' During this event the winners and other school pupils, head teachers and invited guests had the opportunity to taste the winning meals. Public health nutritionist Faye Keefe said: "The competition was a great way for pupils to have their voice heard whilst at the same time promoting the school meal service and encouraging healthy eating. There were just under 600 entries submitted, which is an amazing uptake and a great demonstration of pupil voice." Councillor Paul Holmes, cabinet member for children's services at Southampton City council, added: "Giving our youngsters a say in what healthy food they eat is a fantastic way of inspiring them. I commend all the children who have taken part in this, and I hope the winner has just as much success as Jamie Oliver in making a difference to children's nutrition."