Nantwich MP Edward Timpson visited a local primary school to see how it is coping with a boom in demand for school meals.
New Government policy of free meals for all year 1 and 2 pupils has seen many primary schools providing scores more meals every day.
And staff at Weaver Primary School in Nantwich showed Conservative MP Mr Timpson how they have prepared for the changes.
Cheshire East Council says more than 4,000 additional free school meals will be served to infants across the borough – an increase of 38%.
Mr Timpson said: “Our goal to offer every infant child a healthy, tasty school meal has become a reality – a move that will put money back in parents’ pockets while ensuring all children get the best possible start in life.
“I wanted to meet the school staff and hear their views on the way this new system is working in Crewe and Nantwich.
“Everyone has put in a great deal of hard work to ensure we meet our promise to provide reception year 1 and 2 children at primary school with a nutritious, hot school lunch.”
At Weaver Primary, more than 125 school meals are being prepared every day – an increase from 85 last term.
The catering team at the school has increased by 100%, now employing four staff and led by catering supervisor Catherine Blackhurst who has worked at the school for 30 years.
She said: “All the meals are freshly prepared using locally sourced produce.
“This term we have a new, better menu with the Friday roast proving the most popular where we serve around 175 children.”
Cllr Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East cabinet member responsible for children and families, said: “Eating lunch at school encourages children to socialise at meal times, develop good table manners and broaden experience of food.
“A good diet assists learning and improved behaviour and sets children on the way to making healthier food choices in the future.
“I thank the catering team for their tremendous hard work over the last 12 months to ensure Cheshire East is ‘up and running’ and ready to serve nearly 15,000 free school meals every day across the borough.”
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