RISING food costs are hitting Warrington’s school meals service.
Borough council chiefs are struggling to balance the cost of buying food with the quality of the food – and the additional costs cannot be contained.
Catering services manager Gordon Carson says the reasons for the rising costs are:
* Rising cost of oil
* Increased demand from the Far East, particularly China
* Use of wheat and other crops to make bio fuels
* Unfavourable weather conditions.
Mr Carson says these are not short term problems. Cost increases have occurring over the last two years and are continuing.
The schools meals service has incurred significant increases in food costs with a detrimental effect on its trading account
While the opportunity exists to procure food at lower prices, it is important to balance cost against the quality of the food being procured.
The current cost of a school meal in Warrington is £1.95 – but the rising costs of bread, eggs, milk, cheese, fresh meat and fresh fruit and vegetables – all staples in the school meal menu – will have to be borne in mind during budget planning for next year.
Rising costs hit school meals
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Gary Skentelbery
Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.
