6 November 2015 16:50 PM
West Sussex primary school children who eat a daily school dinner now consume half a kilo less of sugar than this time last year.
The reduction was brought about by changes to recipes and new desserts containing 30% less sugar, according to West Sussex County Council, which undertook a number of initiatives, with the West Sussex School Meals service, as part of a sugar reduction pilot programme. The work was highlighted in a recent review on sugar consumption published by Public Health England.
Alongside recipe alterations, the countyâs main school meals contractor also rebranded its meals. Following a parent survey, a âFood Superheroesâ theme was chosen to help engage with children.
Christine Field, County Council Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, said: âWeâre very proud to have been commended by PHE for our work on sugar reduction. We know consuming too much sugar can lead to weight gain and related health and dental problems. In West Sussex more than two-thirds of adults and one-in-three children aged 10-11 are above a healthy weight. That is why we must continue this excellent progress.â
The council says work continues on projects to promote drinking tap water as an alternative to sugary drinks and the availability of drinking water in schools. Healthier food and drink options are also being encouraged on the way to and from school, through positive messages to parents and children about the benefits of a healthy diet.
Around 30,000 children eat school meals in primary schools every day across West Sussex.
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