Conference puts school meals top of the agenda

Held at the Madejski Stadium in Reading, the conference 'My Meal Matters' will include talks from chair of the School Food Trust Prue Leith, author of The Dinner Lady Jeanette Orrey and Chef Paul Clerehugh will host the event. Jon Hartley, Lead Councillor for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: "It's a great achievement for Reading to host this high-profile event on such an important subject with a diverse range of national speakers." Jon added: "Understandably, there has been tremendous public interest in the quality of school meals nationally and Reading is at the forefront of the drive for improvements. Bringing the ongoing debate to Reading is a tremendous feather in the cap and compliment for our school meals service." Governors, health professionals, nutritionists will also be in attendance on Thursday 18th October. Reading introduced new, healthier menus in 2005 leading into a new contract last year, which met new nutritional standards two years ahead of the 2008 deadline, earning praise from Dame Suzy Leather, who at the time chaired the School Food Trust. The conference is free. Call 07738 144 367 or email smpm@reading.gov.uk to register for a place.