Give them a say in what is served
I was taken aback to see the reactions from the community in regard to the new school menu being proposed by the council.
Regardless of the menu contents, it is a missed opportunity that students and parents were not part of the consultation process.
While a team of officials in an office may very well know how to craft a menu within a budget, students and their parents will always provide essential insight into what they actually eat. It is the officials’ job to make it work within the dietary parameters set by the government, not dictate what is put on the plate.
If Shetland is to lead by example and produce high achieving students, we begin by preparing them for the adult world by treating them like adults. We give them a say in what is served to them and include them in the development process.
I remember some time ago when NorthLink held a competition with local students to craft new menu items. Perhaps it is time to carry out a similar initiative here, let students craft the menu themselves.
This way students will not only be able to be included in the decision-making process, but it would provide an opportunity for them to learn more about the nutritional values of food and how those choices can impact their health.
We have an opportunity here to teach the next generation firsthand how to look after themselves and eat properly. We begin this by guiding them in the right direction, by giving them the responsibility — not doing it for them.
Danny C. Parker
Delting
Over 40 complaints lodged against new primary school lunch menu
