Jersey deputy calls for increased school food funding

A Jersey deputy has called for increased investment in healthy food to support families facing high living costs. During a debate in the States Assembly, Deputy Doublet advocated for expanded funded school meals to provide nutritional support for children and financial relief for parents.

The government recently announced that fresh fruit will be integrated into the hot school meal programme for government primary schools. Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning Catherine Curtis noted that this change follows previous issues with wastage in standalone fruit schemes and responds to parental requests.

Regarding the provision of meals, the Minister stated that the contract with UK-based Apetito Limited remains the “best available option.” Addressing concerns about food quality, she clarified that meals are frozen rather than artificially preserved to maintain freshness.