Sunderland school wins £5,000 for outstanding meals service

The improvements led to a 40% rise in the number of pupils choosing to eat school meals at St. Anthony's since April 2009. School meals are now governed by standards which help ensure that children are receiving all the nutrients they need to learn and grow. The School Food Trust's Million Meals School of the Month award rewards schools' excellence and innovation in school meals provision. Sunderland-born Jim Hopper, Millions Meals manager, will hand over the £5,000 cheque to St. Anthony's Girls' School in a special presentation. St. Anthony's head teacher Mrs Shepherd said: "We are delighted to have won the School of the Month award and prize money of £5,000. The Million Meals resources have been a huge help since we brought the management of school food back in-house in April 2009. Through our hard work, and the support of the School Food Trust, we are achieving our goals and improving the health of our pupils." Before April 2009, only 20% of St. Anthony's pupils were opting for school food. After a few changes school meal uptake has now risen to 76% and the increase has been sustained, ranging from 65% to 70%. The prize money is being spent on further improvements to the school's food offering. Outside seating has been considered, as has the purchase of a sound system for the dining hall to further improve the dining experience for pupils and staff.