New measure for healthier school meals

3.01.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 18th Sep 2007

Jenny Randerson has urged AMs of all parties to back her new measure for healthier school meals, when it comes before the Assembly for debate tomorrow.

Speaking at the Liberal Democrat conference in Brighton, Mrs Randerson told journalists that the measure would put the health of the nation at the top of the political agenda.

Jenny said: "This measure is not just about school dinners it is about the health of a nation. Through this measure we can promote healthy eating at school, at home and elsewhere.

"Combined with increased physical activity we can achieve great things - tackling obesity, poor nutrition, and stopping the worrying rise in diseases which arise from obesity like diabetes."

Speaking from the Due South Café on Brighton's seafront, Mrs Randerson said she hoped to avoid some of the mistakes made in England and Scotland where healthier meals have sometimes led to a drop in numbers wanting them.

"For too long, we have regarded it as normal for children to be fed chips and burgers because 'that's what they like'. Yet when I go to France, I'm always fascinated to see in restaurants, teenage boys and girls selecting healthy salads from the lunchtime menu and eating formal lunch together, rather than a take away burger.

"With this measure I want to address the wider issues so that children learn about a balanced diet, eat a better diet and learn to live a healthier lifestyle. "

Mrs Randerson has met with a number of leading organisations to discuss her measure and to hear their ideas. These include the British Dietetic Association, the British Medical Association, Diabetes UK, The Royal College of Nurses, The Welsh Food Alliance, the British Heart Foundation.

"With smoking levels now falling, obesity is fast becoming the main cause of illness. 52% of males in Wales aged 16-44 are overweight or obese, 41% of females are and this is only increasing. In 2002 one in four children aged 2-15 were either overweight or obese. Parents need help from the people who provide their children with up to five meals a week.

"Healthier eating may cost a little more, but we must not forget that ill health has a direct financial cost on the taxpayer and cannot be set aside. Establishing a healthy eating pattern early on could save a fortune in future health bills, and create a healthier, happier nation too."

Notes:

Jenny Randerson's measure on healthier school meals is the first private members measure to be brought forward under the Assembly's new powers. She won an all-member ballot to secure the opportunity.

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