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School Lunch

83% of parents think that potatoes are an important part of healthy schools meals, according to Potato Council research.

Potatoes form part of healthy schools meals as a starchy food. They are naturally low in fat, provide fibre, vitamin C and folate, as well as being low in sodium (salt). They are versatile enough to be enjoyed in the diet in many ways and compliment lots of different foods.

A pack has been developed by the Potato Council to help promote school lunches and to encourage children to eat potatoes are part of healthy balanced meals by holdng a Potato Day. The pack encourages schools to highlight different varieties of potatoes and cooking methods. Having a Potato Day can be fun, highlight healthier eating and can encourage children to have a school lunch.

Potato Day at Clatford CEA Primary School

Clatford CEA Primary School in Andover recently held a successful Potato Day. The whole school joined in with jacket potatoes on the menu at lunchtime and potato activites taking place in the classroom.

Mrs Razza, the school chef, commented "Jacket Potatoes are easy to prepare and full of vitamins and minerals as well as being a good source of carbohydrates, providing children with the energy they need." Nearly a third more children had a school lunch on the day.

Classroom activities included potato printing, creating posters with key potato messages, writing recipes and writing poems. Jo Osmond, Science Co-ordinator said "Everybody was very keen to take part and we were able to come up with a wide range of curriculum based activities taken from the Potato Day pack and the inspiration of our very own teachers."

To find out more about holding a Potato Day visit www.potatoesforcaterers.co.uk