Four years have already passed since TV chef Jamie Oliver highlighted the deplorable diets of many children in the UK, both at home and at school. Since that time, great strides have been made to improve standards in schools - but there is still some way to go. New government nutritional guidelines have been introduced and are already in place in the nation's primary schools. Secondary and special schools have until next year to reach the standards - not only in their kitchens, but also in vending machines.

California Raisins has been involved with schools catering and school sports for a number of years now. The annual competition to find the healthiest school canteen is just one of the ways California Raisins try to actively encourage children to eat a healthy balanced diet.

School food in Britain has come a long way since it was first introduced in 1906 by a Liberal government but some would argue that it still has a way to go. The nostalgic image of spotted dick and tapioca puddings held by many was dashed two years ago when TV chef Jamie Oliver highlighted the state of the modern school dinner on his show. The nation was so aghast to see children who could not even recognise vegetables never mind contemplate eating them - that the government was forced to act.

McCain Foodservice is delighted to announce the launch of Purely Potato, a range of delicious potato products unrestricted under School Food Trust guidelines. McCain hopes the range, produced and designed to be cooked without oil, may mark a turning point for some school meal providers struggling to entice pupils to try new school meals.

It's no revelation that children continue to love chips whatever the political climate. A recent study showed 31% of 11-15 year olds steadfastly want chips on their school menu over anything else.

The deliciously neat, yet powerful, Ecostar glass and dishwashing machines from Meiko UK Limited deliver the cleanest wash results - important in bistros, snack bars and small restaurants where lightly soiled crockery and cutlery is continuously being rotated.

The School Milk Project and the Home Grown Cereal's Authority (HGCA) are working together to promote the benefits of milk and cereals as part of a balanced diet for school children of all ages at this year's Education Show at the NEC in Birmingham.

Café Bar, a leading UK supplier of hot and cold beverage systems, is increasing its ethically branded range of ingredients with the inclusion of the new Malawi Garden and Kericho Estate teas to the portfolio.

Foster Refrigerator has launched a new Multideck range that allows school caterers to keep food and drink products fresh and appealing whilst maximising sales. 

Following the introduction of the 2006 Food based standards to ensure all meals across the education sector meet specific nutritional requirements, the uptake of meals by pupils has continued to decline.

What is a healthy diet?

The two key elements to a healthy diet are eating the right amount of food for how active you are and eating a range of foods to make sure you're getting a balanced diet.

The government's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) initiative aims to provide schools with Managed Learning Environments (MLEs) that can record the nutritional value of the school meals that children are buying. Michael Murdock, Northgate Education's BSF Solutions Director, explains more:

Hatco offers a comprehensive range of high quality equipment solutions for the education market including toasters, holding/display cabinets, merchandisers, food warmers and food finishers. See how the Hatco range of professional conveyor toasters can increase your offering in Breakfast Clubs or choose a Hatco Steam-Max Steamer, perfect for quick service kiosks in schools.