School meal numbers at Rotherham rise by over 10%

The school is one of 10 schools from the Rotherham area chosen to take part in the Trust's consultancy project, which aims to evaluate the impact of effective marketing on school meal uptake. As part of the project, the school has undertaken a number of promotions and activities including Mexican and Oriental theme days, healthy eating promotions and opportunities for parents to enjoy a healthy school meal alongside pupils. As a result, meal numbers have grown by more than 10% on figures from January/February last year. Cllr Shaun Wright, cabinet member for Children and Young People's Services, is pleased at the increase in meal uptake at Rawmarsh Sandhill and the other schools involved: "We are delighted that the meal uptake figures have increased by such a large percentage. We aim to make school meals fun for the children and they have certainly enjoyed taking part in all of the activities over the last few months." School Food Trust marketing manager, Kirsten Bolton, added: "It's been fantastic to see how much the children are enjoying healthier school lunches and to see the changes that Rawmarsh Sandhill has made in action. The pupils tell me that lunchtime here really is a highlight of their day, which is exactly what we want to hear."