February 2011 Archives

Education caterer Pabulum has created a cookery book of pupils' favourite recipes.

Pabulum's business development team decided to compile the book following a positive response from children and parents to Pabulum's range of healthy option school meals across many schools on the Isle of Wight.

Kevin Phillips, operations manager for Pabulum on the Island, explained: "Both children and parents have been so enthusiastic about the school meals that we decided to compile a book of their favourite recipes - especially when several Mums told us that their children actually preferred our take on a number of traditional favourites to their home-cooked versions!"

The first edition of the Isle of Wight Primary Schools' Cook Book was launched after two pupils, whose pictures are featured in the book, were invited by printers Crossprint to start the presses.

The book will be available for sale through participating schools and proceeds will go to charity. Pabulum will also showcase it at several outside events over the next year as proof that nutritious, healthy school meals are the way to go.

"We're delighted with the book," added Phillips. "Not only does it truly reflect Pabulum's commitment to delivering the best school meals possible, but also demonstrates the children's enthusiasm for our meals - and they will always be the best ambassadors we could wish for in spreading the word that healthy is best."

Contract caterer Pabulum has continued its efforts to encourage healthy eating in schools by taking its Healthy Bunch characters on the road.

The characters, originally launched as part of a campaign three years ago, were updated last April and according to Pabulum, form an important part of Pabulum's campaign aimed at raising awareness of healthy eating in schools.

The latest initiative sees two of the Healthy Bunch's six characters - Dizzy Dog and Sammy Sheep - brought to life to accompany Pabulum's operations managers on school visits to deliver height charts and facilitate healthy eating discussions.

Each character has its own special nutritional message, designed to help children understand the basics of good nutrition and eat more healthily.  Dizzy Dog's message is that meat has iron in it to help children do their exercises and stay fit, whilst Sammy Sheep's message is focused on the benefits of vegetables.

The remaining four Healthy Bunch characters have similar messages promoting the benefits of diet staples such as milk, oats, fruit and pulses.

Jonathan Gawthrop, managing director, explained: "We always work closely with our schools to help them promote the advantages of healthy eating and spread our passion for honestly good food.

"These visits have been great fun and a highly effective means of getting our messages across."

Mrs Gillian Cocklin, head teacher, South Ascot Village School - one of the schools involved in the visits - agreed: "The children love the Healthy Bunch characters and they've really enjoyed this visit from Dizzy Dog.

"It's a great way to encourage them to buy into the concept of healthy food and learn about its benefits."