TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington have decided to freeze the price of school meals to help parents struggling because of the recession.
They claim it is the first time school meal prices have been frozen for well over 20 years.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt (pictured), the council’s executive member for Children’s Services, said: “With this decision the council is supporting the national healthy eating and reducing obesity agenda and I also hope this price freeze will go some way to help the pockets and purses of parents in these difficult times.”
The decision means there will be no price rise when pupils return to school after the summer holidays.
Council bosses decided to hold prices at their present level following feedback received from parents and taking into consideration the financial pressures being felt many local families.
It is hoped the move will result in an increase in school meals take up.
School dinners have come along way since the days of chips and arctic roll and are now freshly prepared and provide two of the five recommended portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
All 72 primary school kitchens in the town have now achieved the Warrington Food Award, which means they are operating at a very high standard.
For just £1.95 pupils are now likely to be served fresh lasagne, jacket potato, turkey curry or fruit salad, made from locally sourced, sustainable produce.