CHILDREN at schools in Dawlish have been encouraged to try new foods by the company which supplies school meals.

ISS Facilities Services Education has been awarded a three year contract to continue supplying meals to 17 schools across Dawlish and Newton Abbot.

Students are given a healthy Food for Life Bronze menu which follows the Food For Life catering mark criteria for health and sustainable school meals.

Each school has a dedicated area support manager for catering and schools are able to provide feedback on the meals.

David Carr, Dawlish cluster manager, said: 'We really like the way information about the meals is presented to children and they are encouraged to try new foods as well as meals they know they like.'

Mark Davies, divisional director of ISS, said: 'Feeding children's minds is an important criteria for ISS.

'We understand that providing healthier food improves children's concentration as well as giving them a chance to try new things.

'Eating should be an enjoyable social experience for learners and we are working very hard with Dawlish Learning Partnership and Newton Abbot Learning Community to make sure it is.

'We aim to bring a mini food revolution to the schools by working with pupils, parents, teachers and the community to deliver healthier and more exciting food.'

l First published in the Dawlish Gazette, August 1.