SCHOOL MEALS CONTRACTS IN WELSH SCHOOLS

Since the introduction of compulsory competitive tendering for school meals, little research has been undertaken on the role of local education authorities (LEAs) in the delivery of nutritionally healthy school meals. This study attempted to redress this for Wales by reviewing the role of contract specifications in promoting healthy eating in schools. In the Spring of 1993, eight LEAs completed a postal questionnaire and telephone interview and seven LEAs provided copies of their contract specifications relating to healthy eating. The seven LEAs were found to have healthy eating policies and nutritional specifications as part of their school meals contracts. Three types of requirements outlining contractor's obligations with respect to healthy eating were found: these referred to nutritional guidelines, healthy eating policies and food preparation guidelines. Although all the contracts stated the need to comply with nutritional guidelines, only three LEAs monitored the nutritional content of their menus. Hence, it is recommended that the nutritional content of school meals should be monitored both at the menu planning as well as the delivery stages. In addition, it is suggested that new contracts should refer to the 1991 dietary reference values rather than the older guidelines.