Students in North Lanarkshire take part in Hungry for Success challenge

Over 200 second year students were requested to create, develop and market a new healthy meal over a six week period. The results of the competition were announced yesterday and saw the winning team, Noodle Doodles, crowned for their Caribbean Twist dish. The school worked with leading foodservice supplier, Pasta King, as part of the company's commitment to promoting a better understanding of how eating habits can contribute towards a healthy life. Students worked on the design and promotion of a new meal from product development to creating its marketing strategy. The product had to meet the requirements of the 'Healthy Eating in Schools Scotland Act' to be potentially launched in the future as a new addition to Pasta King meals' range. Ann McGivern, principal teacher of Home Economics at Coatbridge High School said: "We wanted our students to approach a challenge in the real life context and Pasta King's involvement offered them a fascinating insight into the industry. "The company's commitment to educating young people has given excellent results and the healthy eating angle of this business challenge has encouraged students to value more the importance of a balanced diet on a daily basis." Howard Farquhar, chief executive at Pasta King added: "Our commitment to healthy living is not only in supplying nutritious meals but also by raising awareness among young people of the importance of a healthy, balanced diet and the role food has in our lives. It's absolutely fantastic to see the enthusiasm and involvement of students and how projects like this contribute towards positive attitudes to eating and promote development of essential business skills." This is the second challenge Pasta King has run for schools. Last year saw Linlithgow Academy's students engaged in this healthy eating entrepreneurial competition and the company is looking to roll out the scheme in other areas in the UK.