School meals move upmarket at Islington Arts & Media School
“Miss, what have you done to the school? It’s gone all posh!” remarked an IAMS
student at the opening of the new-style canteen facilities. With checked
tablecloths and fresh flowers on every table, the upmarket feel is designed to
help students enjoy their lunch-time experience.
12-year-old Neil Doogan helped himself to a healthy dessert of grapes while
pal Liam Harrison tucked into quiche and roast potatoes “I like the
tablecloths – I think people will make an effort not to drop their food and
it’s much easier to keep clean” Said Neil.
“I used to think – what’s the point of eating healthily? But now I get it.”
Commented 12-year-old Eugene Leitans.
13-year-old Arafat Bukko and 12-year-old Aleksandro Kostadinov are both fans
of the pre-packed sandwiches and fresh fruit. “The cheese and salad is good,
and we have cartons of flavoured mineral water to encourage us to drink more
water with our lunch.” Explained Aleksandro.
Staff in the school canteen pulled out all the stops to get a machine which
squeezes fresh orange juice for the ‘juice bar’, and a smoothie-maker is on
the way so that students can order drinks made from blended fresh fruit.
The improvements are a result of cooperation between the school staff, the
school council and Scolarest who run the catering contract at the school.
“There’s real enthusiasm to make improvements here, the school meals staff
have been wonderful and the students are really responding to the changes.”
Said Deputy headteacher Helen Kacouris.
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