The introduction of new primary school menus has led to a “substantial” drop in uptake at some schools, the Department for Education, Sport and Culture has confirmed.
The new menus, which increased local produce to 25% and reduced ultra-processed foods, have been met with mixed feedback from pupils and parents.
Minister Daphne Caine, told the Social Affairs Policy Review Committee that the quality of the food remains high.
“The food is exceptional quality,” she said.
However, she acknowledged that uptake has fallen in several schools as children adjust to meals prepared without sauces from jars or gravy granules and food is “maybe not to the modern taste”.
“There has been a reduction in uptake in substantial in a couple of schools,” Mrs Caine said.
Evolving
She said the menu is continuing to evolve in response to feedback, with changes already made to the fruit and salad bar offering.
Chief Officer Graham Kinrade described the situation as a work in progress.
“I would expect, at any change of this size, you would see a reaction to that change,” he said.
Mrs Caine defended the nutritional standards, noting that each meal is designed by a qualified dietitian to provide around 500 to 600 calories, alongside unlimited salad, fruit and a glass of milk.
She said the department is monitoring food waste to help identify unpopular dishes and adjust portion sizes.
“The monitoring enables all the schools to be fully aware. They can identify unpopular dishes as well as popular ones,” she said.