Is it possible to cook children a well-balanced meal for 38p, or should the Government invest more in school meals?
To be able to provide a varied meal that is balanced and nutritious on that amount must be very difficult. Little protein can be bought that cheaply - even mince isn't cheap nowadays - and I certainly wouldn't want to be faced with that feat. Our allowance for our staff meals (at £2.50 per person) is almost seven times that amount.
Andrew McLeish, head chef, Chapter One, Locksbottom, Kent
I couldn't do it for 38p, but the big contractors can negotiate better prices with suppliers and so it can be done. I think it is down to the schools themselves to say they have had enough of processed food and they want better quality. If we got more government funding that would be great, but we don't operate to make profit, so anything we make goes back into the school. More government money would also open a can of worms for funding food in other public sectors.
Lorraine Wallis, catering manager at Blackawton School, near Totnes, Devon (who was preparing roast lamb for 70 kids)
It takes just a little bit more - 45p - and you can change the whole standard by buying fresh food. Most processed food costs just as much as raw food, but with raw food you need to work harder and be better organised.
Debbie Drake, catering manager at Sopley Primary School in Dorset
We should definitely invest more in school meals. If you added a pound to the 38p, I'd say that was more realistic. I doubt any minister has ever eaten a meal for 38p.
Tim Bartleet, food and beverage manager at the City Inn Westminster hotel