Organic move by schools

Twenty-five schools in the London borough of Kensington and Chelsea are among the first in the country to offer a menu based mainly on organic ingredients.

From 1 April, all but 13 of the borough's primary and secondary schools will prepare dishes using organic fruit and vegetables and free-range eggs. Burgers will be offered only once a fortnight.

Councillor Mary Weale, cabinet member for education, said: "The initiative sets us apart from all other local authorities. I hope that our policy can be used as a blueprint across the country."

The two contract caterers serving the schools, Alliance in Partnership and Brookwood Partnership, have made the move in response to concerns from parents and teachers, who put pressure on the council to bring in healthier food. The council said the organic menus would be provided at no extra cost to parents or the council.

Instead of receiving in-house cooking lessons, the schools' 155 dinner ladies will now attend weekly courses at Thames Valley University.

Source: Caterer & Hotelkeeper magazine, 14 April 2005