Government minister gets backing for school lunch campaign

17 February 2010

The minister (left) with Trust chief executive and Oaklands' head (right)

HEALTHY school meals were on the menu when a government minister met with head teachers in Tower Hamlets.

Schools Minister Diana Johnson joined six Tower Hamlets heads to discuss the government's Million Meals campaign at Oaklands School in Old Bethnal Green Road, writes LEE PEART.

Patrice Canavan, head teacher at Oaklands, said: "We're really excited to be involved in the Million Meals initiative.

"The fact that we have signed up demonstrates Oaklands' commitment to prioritizing the health and well-being of our pupils, which will only impact positively on our attainment levels and support us an accredited Healthy School."

The Million Meals campaign, which is run by the School Food Trust, aims to get a million more children eating school meals.

The School Food Trust was established by the Department for Education and Skills in 2005 with the aim of improving the quality of food in schools.

Trust chief executive Judy Hargadon joined the government minister to listen to the challenges faced by head teachers in getting more kids into their dining halls at lunch time.

PICTURED: (left to right) The Minister, Trust Chief Executive and Oaklands' Head.