Nerve 14 - Primary Schools Junk Bad Food

Some time ago Jamie Oliver's campaign exposed the shameful state of the nation's school dinners. But two years earlier in Liverpool, a network of local primary schools began working to challenge the junk food culture and provide fresh, nutritious and exciting food for their pupils.

Primary Schools Junk Bad Food

Food for Thought (Merseyside) Ltd. was formed in 2004 as a social enterprise 'run by the schools for the schools'. A unique 'school company' this 'not for profit' partnership was formed by six primary schools in Belle Vale and Netherley. It now has seventeen schools across the City serving over 25,000 meals a month.

One of the first schools FFT partnered up with was Hope School for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. "There's been a tremendous difference in the children's behaviour thanks to the healthy menu," says Mike Carden, Business Manager and one of the founders of FFT. "They are able to concentrate better and are much calmer at playtime. And they now enjoy and look forward to meal times. I am particularly proud of the fact that we have been able to extend this work with a number of similar schools for disadvantaged children."

“We are particularly proud of our work in both mainstream schools and centres for children with behavioural and learning difficulties. Our emphasis is on food quality, service provision and choice and, as a not for profit organisation, we are well placed to provide real value for children and parents.”

FFT uses high quality, locally sourced fresh meat from Rainford and our vegetables and dry goods are all locally sourced by two small family-run businesses.

FFT proudly proclaims that it spends far more on the ingredients of each pupil's meal than any other school meals provider whilst charging the least for a school meal. FFT charge £1.60 per meal whilst the private sector charge in excess of £1.80. Private firms are beginning to move back into the market, but Mike firmly believes that "profit-making companies have no place in primary school kitchens." Recent closures of private sector providers seem to confirm this view. "In reality our schools subsidize their own school meals service in much the same way as they invest in other aspects of their pupils' education."

Any money made is ploughed straight back into the organisation, on staff training, equipment and food/service quality for example.

For more information contact 0151 288 5015 or mike.carden@hotmail.co.uk

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