Award for school meals team

Hampshire County Council’s Catering Service (HC3S) has received The Good Chicken Award from Compassion in World Farming for using chicken and chicken products that meet strict animal welfare criteria. HC3S staff are always searching for ways to improve the standard and quality of school meals and they are delighted to have picked up such a prestigious prize.

This award helps us show our commitment to purchasing chickens that are reared in better living conditions and have a longer and healthier lifespan. HC3S will ensure that all chicken products used in school meals will be from RSPCA Freedom Food or equivalent sources by the end of 2014.

Each year, more than half a million chickens are used in meals that are provided to over 444 primary and special schools and 31 secondary schools across the county.

‘Eggsellent’ service

In 2008 HC3S also picked up a Good Egg Award from Compassion in World Farming for establishing a supply of local free range eggs to Hampshire schools. Our school meals already include Hampshire beef and pork, local vegetables and fish from well managed, sustainable fisheries. Where it is possible, many items are also cooked on site in school kitchens such as bread, healthy biscuits and desserts.

‘Eggsellent’ value

This high quality, local produce is provided in school meals at £2 for a hot, two course meal. This price is very good value and we can confirm that it will remain the same for 2012.

Let us know what you think of our school menu by visiting My School Lunch where you can complete our questionnaire and vote for your favourite meal.