The Western Education and Library Board school meals department has always advocated a healthy eating policy, with the emphasis on reducing the amount of sugar, salt and fat in the children's' diet.  Legislation recently brought into effect in England and Scotland states that a child receiving school dinners should be offered a fish dish twice weekly and fried potatoes only once a week.  It also states that children should be offered a fruit based pudding twice a week.  Although this legislation has not yet come into effect in Northern Ireland, school meals have made sure that these dishes are on offer to the children and have always offered fruit or yoghurt as an alternative pudding.  Although the emphasis is on reducing sugar, fat and salt, children are not deprived of such favourites as sausages and burgers - these are all oven baked instead of fried.

Obesity is a growing problem among children in today's society and in Foyle View we are aware of this problem, always encouraging children to eat a healthy diet.  We start at the very bottom of the school encouraging the children to try pasta and rice dishes as an alternative to potatoes.  We are also introducing vegetables such as peppers, celery and chilli, and incorporating them into dishes such as vegetable hot pot, quiche, stir fries etc. 

To encourage and reward the children for their participating in the healthy eating policy, we have numerous fun days with themes such as Pyjama Party, Teddy Bear's Picnic, Halloween, Disney Day, Sports Day etc.  The W.E.L.B also reward children by running competitions in all schools (usually painting competitions) and on each occasion a pupil from Foyle View has won a prize.  Foyle View school meals have had great success in many competitions such as the Healthy Eating Award and the Healthy Snack Award.  Recently we applied for the LACA Mark of Distinction award and were very successful, receiving a silver award in recognition of promotion of Healthy Eat Initiatives.

Children are encouraged to participate in the setting of tables, returning dishes and clearing their tables after eating.  Each year, a pupil from the senior department joins the kitchen staff for work experience one day a week.

As kitchen supervisor, I feel it is of vital importance that each member of staff gets to know the children in the school, their likes and dislikes and have therefore ensured that dinner time is a happy relaxed experience for the children.  Often during lunch time you will find the kitchen staff dancing and singing as they serve dinner, which the children certainly enjoy.

The weekly menu is available to any parent/guardian who would like a copy.  Simply contact the school to request one.