Glasgow school menus are proving unpopular with some children as the council strives to make them healthier.
Options this week for primary pupils include falafel burger, vegetable curry and quorn goujons with noodles. Baked potato, tuna sandwich and spaghetti bolognese are also choices. Traditional classic puddings are banned.
Today the Glasgow City Parents Group said they are aware of the “mixed reactions” to the menu. They are having discussions with Glasgow City Council’s catering department to hold a focus group about the issues.
There is less red meat available and dessert is fruit and yogurt only as the council continues to try and make meals healthier - adhering to government guidelines.
The Scottish Government says many children are eating too much fat, sugar and salt and not enough fruit and vegetables.
Parents have been slamming the menu on Facebook.
Gran Marion Kirkwood said: "My granddaughters eat most things but not quorn and falafel. Waste of money."
Mum Monique Chikere said:" My son gets a packed lunch, the £2 for lunch isn't worth it. The stuff they put on most of the kids won't eat it and end up coming home hungry."
But defending the food, Siobhan O’Connor commented online: "Falafel burger sounds well nice, and surely most kids will eat beans on toast. The other option is baked potato today. Don't see anything wrong with those choices. Can't please everyone all the time."
The council has been following updated guidance from Holyrood to improve nutrition for kids.
The Scottish Government says there are “unacceptable diet-related health inequalities” in Scotland.
P1 children living in the poorest areas are more than twice as likely to be at risk of obesity than those in the wealthiest neighbourhoods.
Glasgow City Parents Group said they are “aware aware of the mixed reactions of parents or carers to the primary FuelZone menus. We are currently in discussion with Glasgow City Council Catering to schedule a focus group with Glasgow Parent Council members to gather these views.
“We would encourage parents/carers to share their views with their Parent Councils who can advocate on behalf of their parent forum.
"Parents or carers have an opportunity to feedback in a constructive way and understand why some of the menu changes have taken place.
"We will update any information we receive through our social media channels or via your Parent Councils"
