Food in Secondary Schools
HC3S strongly believe that as caterers to the education sector we have a responsibility to promote and encourage healthy eating amongst young people by ensuring that the food and drink we provide throughout the school day reflects the messages of healthy eating taught in school.
We are also aware of the recent government initiatives which also focus on the health and well being of students and want to help and support schools to provide the best meal service possible.
We have already made many changes to the food we provide, and are constantly looking at the range of food and menus. we can also support schools by attending student and working groups who have focus on food.
Fruit and Vegetables
We use a mixture of fresh, frozen fruit and tinned fruit and vegetables. Examples include:
- potatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, peppers, courgettes, cabbage, apples, pears, bananas and grapes are all fresh
- peas and green beans are usually frozen
- sweetcorn and pack apple are tinned.
Local
Our beefburgers are made specifically for us by the Pure Organics company, based in Amesbury, Wiltshire. They have a high meat content of 76.7% and are made from Hampshire beef.
Likewise, our meatballs are also made from local Hampshire beef and our sausages are now made from local pork.
Genetically modified food policy
HC3S now has suppliers which can guarantee to provide food which does not contain detectable genetically modified ingredients.
Fish
Haddock and cod is always used and not the cheaper fish products made from 'mixed white fish'. Salmon fish cake and Hastings fish cake, both have naturally occurring Omega 3, the essential fatty acid which is only found in oily fish.
Bread
Most of our bread, including Naan bread and Focaccia is freshly made in our kitchens, our pizza bases are all wholemeal and even our white bread has a small percentage of wholemeal flour added to it.
Processed foods
Our definition of processed foods is those foods that have had their basic constituent changed in a way which then requires it to be reformed, adding flavourings and enhancements, such as salt or sugar, to complete the product.
We have virtually removed such products from the menu and are striving to be as processed free as possible.
Fat, salt and sugar
The majority of the food we sell is produced on site, allows us to develop our own recipes which have reduced fat, salt and sugar and a proportion of wholemeal flour where appropriate.
Beverages
We ensure water is always available and provide water, fruit based drinks, pure fruit juice, and plain and flavoured milk.
Confectionary
We do not sell chocolates or confectionary.
Vending
Whilst the Government’s new food based standards do not prohibit the use of vending machines in schools, they do require a change in the nature of the products they provide.
Over the last two years, in partnership with our suppliers, we have developed a range of products such as dried fruits, milk-based drinks, ‘Innocent’ fruit smoothies and a brand new range of fruit-flavoured spring water drinks called ‘Xcite’ which will be available to vend from September.
While vending machines dispensing confectionery, snacks, crisps and sweetened fizzy drinks do not need to be removed and indeed are important to many community users all machines can be fitted with timers to prevent students from using them during the school day.
Our current services include:
Hot drinks dispensing a range of branded quality coffee and tea, examples include Kenco and Cadburys as well as fair trade products
Coca-Cola branded cold drinks which include Malvern water, Powerade and Oasis
Mars branded sweet and savoury snacks and ice cream
Information
We have recently purchased a computer package which will nutritionally analyse all our recipes. Nutritional information will soon be available on all our products purchased over the counter.
For more information please contact Linda Kennedy on 023 8062 7724
