Having had time to draw breath after the LACA school dinners conference earlier this month I thought I'd share the results of the delegate voting with you.
Given the disappointing news that school meal uptake in secondaries has slipped futher, it's hardly surprising that there's a fair bit or worry and consternation amongst school dinner caterers.
While no one has an issue with Jamie Oliver's ultimate vision for healthy, better school meals, there is a growing difference of opinion about how best to move the service on without threatening it's future.
The poll results of the electronic voting at the LACA conference by its 500-plus delegates were as follows:
Do you believe we have halted the decline in secondary school meal take up?
Yes: 10% No: 68% Maybe: 22%
Please rank these barriers to raising the take-up of school meals, starting with your biggest barrier
Price: 11%
Food on offer: 12%
Environment: 18%
Length of lunch break: 20%
Rebellious attitude: 7%
Teachers: 8%
Parents: 5%
On-site opportunties: 19%
Given the emphasis on reducing the levels of obesity and the current level of service delivery problems, should the Government introduce free schhol meals for all?
Yes: 81% No: 19%
The current level of funding runs out in 2011. Is that going to mean a reduction in service or even the demise of your service?
Yes: 25% No: 75%
Should school meals be regarded as a welfare service and financially supported accordingly - or should they be allowed the freedoms afforded to other businesses?
Welfare service: 82% Business: 7% Neither: 11%
Do you feel that you are going to be able to produce popular school meals at secondary level whilst also meeting the nutrient standards that are about to become law?
Yes: 5% No: 88% Possibly: 7%
For the latest news and features on school meals see our school dinners round-up>>
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Caterers want new school dinners standards watered down>>
