Encouraging children to try school meals and increase overall takeup

In October 2015, Barking and Dagenham Catering Services ran a unique competition across primary schools in the borough. On the day of the competition, a themed menu comprised of ‘Roasted Dinner’ and a ‘Nest of Dragon’s Eggs’ was served. The school that had the highest increase in healthy school meal uptake received a flying visit from a dragon and all students took part in a Cantonese cooking experience.

On the day of the competition, school meal take up increased by an average of 20% across all schools, meaning that over 3000 more children were able to experience a healthy and tasty school meal that day.