Turkey twizzler jibe sparks food fight at Islington Council
Clash over claims that free school lunches have brought smaller portions and less choice
Published: 8 October, 2010
by PETER GRUNER
FREE school meals in Islington were under renewed attack this week amid claims that popular but expensive fish and chips were being replaced by cheaper foods like “dreaded” macaroni cheese.
Opposition Lib Dems warned that the price of giving every primary school child a free meal – a policy introduced by Labour at a cost of £3million a year – meant that quantity, and sometimes quality, of food may be reduced.
Labour hit back, saying that the current contract governing supply and quality of school meals was signed by the Lib Dems when they were in power. The Town Hall ruling group pledged that, in the week when the Coalition government was planning to reduce child benefit, it is determined to maintain free school meals.
Deputy Lib Dem leader Councillor Ursula Woolley said that when the Lib Dems were in power the current contract was paid for by parents, except those on benefit, and was a “state-of-the art” service.
Speaking at a full council meeting last night (Thursday) she asked: “Could we be seeing under Labour the return of the infamous Turkey twizzler?”
Cllr Woolley added: “We had plans for locally sourced fruit and vegetables, and meat and fish twice a week. Recently, my kids have been coming home from school saying the main meal is running out quicker than ever before.
“If you are not in the dining room early enough on Friday, they tell me, you miss your fish and chips and get macaroni cheese instead.”
Lib Dem councillor John Gilbert, who has a nine-year-old at school, said: “I’ve been told they don’t get milk any more and the food portions are a lot smaller. My son says that the school meals are horrible, but he would probably say that if you took him to the Savoy grill.”
Labour executive member for children, Councillor Richard Watts, pointed out that Cllr Woolley had signed the current contract when the Lib Dems were in control at the Town Hall.
“I’m always interested in views about school dinners but I’m not aware of any shortages or complaints,” he said. “Portions are the same as they have always been and milk is available if you ask for it but it isn’t necessarily always on tables.”
The council is about to put the meals contract out to tender again, with the aim of improving quality.
“It’s too early to say if we’ll keep current contractor Cater Link – who also separately provide school meals in Camden – or go with another caterer,” Cllr Watts said. He added that the majority of families who received free school meals lived just above the poverty line and were able to save £300 a year.
“The argument that people who can afford it should pay could be made of any service,” he added. “What next? Means-testing for the Freedom Pass?”
Good grub – Meals a winner
PARENTS and children outside an Archway primary school gave the thumbs up this week to their free school meals.
A Tribune reporter visited Hargrave Park to sound out opinion. Roselyn Booth said her son Mathew, 4, was a fan of school dinners. “He loves his vegetables, particularly his chips,” she said.
Cemile Dennis had had no complaints from her son, Baran, 6. “He looks forward to his school dinners,” she added. “And the good thing is he enjoys healthy foods like broccoli.”
Another mum, Felistas Sylubika, said her twins, Trevor and Erica, 6, looked forward to fish and chips. “They’ve never complained about not getting any favourite foods or not getting enough,” she said. “It’s a very good service.”
Charlie Dixon, whose son Archie, 3, attends nursery, was equally happy. “My son loves his food,” she said.
Eleven-year-old Bella Roche has just switched from St Joseph’s primary in Islington to a Camden school. Her father Chris said: “Bella preferred the free dinners at her previous primary school to the paid-for meals at her new school."