Children at Merton Abbey Primary school get to taste their first fresh meals cooked onsite at the school’s brand new kitchen on Thursday 1 November 2007.

The new kitchen is part of Merton’s continuing development of catering facilities to provide pupils with a healthy diet through freshly cooked nutritious food prepared on site from fresh high quality ingredients. Four years ago few school dinners were cooked on site in Merton – now 39 primary and special school kitchens have been built or upgraded to cook fresh on site, with the remaining eight planned over the next two years.

Jo Arnold, the school’s super chef, will be preparing the meals for Merton Abbey’s children. Jo has 15 years experience as a professional chef following her catering training at Merton College.

Stella Fry, Headteacher said:
“We are thrilled that the children will benefit from this wonderful addition to the school.”

Councillor Oonagh Moulton, Cabinet member for School Standards and Youth Engagement said:
“It is very exciting to see all the hard work from Merton Council, schools and parents showing real results as more of Merton’s children have access to healthier meals cooked on site by the new contractors, ISS Caterhouse.”

Ends

Notes to editor

· Merton Council worked collectively with parents and schools to select the new contractor, ISS Caterhouse who took over the contract in September 2007. They were selected for the provision of school meals because of their promise and ability to use quality ingredients, a range of salad items and exciting menu choices.

· The building of the kitchen began in June 2007.