Councillor raises concerns over rising school meal prices

A Dudley councillor has contacted a borough school after parents raised concerns over the cost of meals which, in some cases, have risen by as much as 50%.

Cllr Steve Edwards, who represents Brockmoor and Pensnett ward, has approached Crestwood School seeking urgent clarification over concerns raised by parents about the cost, portion sizes and availability of school meals, following a change in catering provision.

Parents have reported 'significant' price increases on some food items compared with the previous school term. Among the prices reported are sausage rolls which have increased from around 80p to £2.20, fizzy drinks which were previously priced at 70p and now cost £1.40, while pizza has reportedly increased by approximately 50%.

Concers have also been raised about portion sizes, longer queues and communication issues, with some children reportedly struggling to purchase a meal they both want and can afford, while ensuring that they have enough food to fill them up during the school day.

Councillor Edwards said: “I fully appreciate that this is the first week back and that any new catering arrangements can take some time to settle in. However, parents are already contacting me with serious concerns about the prices of food, portion sizes, queues and communication.

“I have contacted the school because I believe these concerns need to be properly investigated and, where there are problems, resolved as quickly as possible.

“I have also been contacted by parents whose children attend other schools using the same catering provider, who say they are experiencing similar issues. This suggests that it may be appropriate to look at the service more widely rather than treating these as isolated incidents.

“School meals should provide children with an affordable, nutritious and filling option during the school day. Families should not be put in a position where a child cannot afford their preferred meal because prices have increased dramatically.

“I understand that catering companies have costs to cover, but feeding children should not be about maximising profits at the expense of affordability for families.

“When parents can see comparable food items available in local bakeries and supermarkets for considerably less, it is entirely reasonable for them to ask questions about the prices being charged in schools.

“I hope the school and catering provider will work constructively with parents and with me to look at these concerns and find a solution. If necessary, I will continue to put pressure on the relevant parties to ensure that school meals remain affordable and accessible to children.

“The priority must be making sure that children can access a decent, filling meal at a fair price.”

Councillor Edwards is asking the school and catering provider to review the reported price increases, portion sizes, queue management and communication, with the aim of ensuring that children can access an affordable and filling school meal.

He is also encouraging parents who have experienced problems with the school meals service to make contact so that concerns can be collated and raised with the relevant organisations.

Crestwood School have been contacted for comment.