Schools to be told to buy local British products, minister says
If you look at the social return on investment delivered in the round by school meals, I have an interesting example linked to their provision by Battlesteads Hotel in Northumberland, their impact is huge. It provides scope to strengthen rural economies. This article tells us about a positive nuance in their provision linked to local sourcing:
Schools could be made to buy local produce and in season British fruit and vegetables under plans being considered by ministers.
George Eustice, the farming minister, said that the Department for Education is working on measures to ensure that schools across the country use British produce in their meals.
Mr Eustice told MPs on the environment, food and rural affairs committee that from September, schools will be told by the Government that they should be buying local produce.
He said that Michael Gove’s education department is working on a “school food plan” that will “encourage” the use of fresh, British products in children’s meals.
Britain imports billions of pounds of food every year – nearly a quarter of all food consumed every year – and ministers are keen to encourage more local suppliers.