COUNCIL SHOULD JUNK IT AND BARE THE FACTS - WINDER

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Sat 2nd Apr 2005

CLLR JOY WINDER

Council Junk It & Bare the Facts

Liberal Democrat Councillor Joy Winder welcomed the U-turn and change of heart by the council as they revealed just how much we spend on our children's school meals. She has asked that a report comes to the council's high-powered scrutiny committee.

Naked Chef Jamie Oliver has really stirred things up. It's not just about the small amount of money spent on school meals for our children but on the effects of junk food on their well-being, behaviour and ability to learn.

Lib Dem councillor Joy Winder said, "Two months ago I asked for a report to come to the Children and Young People's Scrutiny Committee about the meals in our schools. All I am interested in is what is best for our children. The issues highlighted by Jamie Oliver's programmes seemed to be so important that we needed to know what is happening in the schools in our city. I am pleased that the amount budgeted by the council for children's meals has now been made public but am sure that the committee will be asking a whole range of questions. This is not just about the size of the budget but much more."

Lib Dem spokesman for Council Catering John Grant said, "Manchester Fayre is committed to producing healthy food. We appreciate the struggle trying to work within the present budget. Schools are not obliged to use us as the provider of meals so it is not all in our hands. It's not just in schools where these issues arise and are important. Manchester Fayre is losing the contract for the council's Social Services "Meals on Wheels". Will older people be getting healthy food?"

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For further information please contact Cllr Joy Winder on 07881754127, Cllr John Grant 07782302338