'Healthier and more nutritious' menu adds more Manx produce and cuts back on ultra-processed foods
A shake-up of primary school meals on the Island will see less ultra-processed foods, more Manx products - and desserts swapped for fruit and milk.
The Department of Education, Sport and Culture has announced a brand-new menu - to be served in canteens from September.
As well as featuring four times more fresh Manx produce, the amount of ultra-processed food has been cut from around 50 percent to five percent compared to last year's menu.
Dishes include sweet potato and coconut curry, locally-sourced steak and gravy pie, and roast Manx pork - all served with salads.
Education Minister Daphne Caine says a healthier and more nutritious offering will also help the pupils concentrate during lesson time:
The Department of Education, Sport and Culture says the new meu has 'strong support' from families and was developed after wide consultation with parents, carers, pupils, caterers, producers, suppliers and a registered dietitian.
A recent survey found that 58 percent of parents want to see less UPF in school meals, whilst only four percent of parents were opposed to the idea.
The remainder supported the move, depending on choice and cost.
The proportion of Manx produce in the new menu has increased from 6.2 percent to nearly 25 percent.
The cost of a school meal remains £2.55, payable via ParentPay. Free school meals are still available to eligible families.
Around 3,100 school meals are served each weekday in an academic year, across 31 primary schools.
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