A Better Deal For Children's Meals - Brake

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 12th Aug 2005

We must heed warnings of a 'diet timebomb' among schoolchildren, says Carshalton and Wallington MP Tom Brake. Mr Brake is lending his support to the Children's Food Bill currently before Parliament. Like many of his constituents, Mr Brake was appalled at the state of school meals, as highlighted by the television programme Jamie's School Dinners.

Mr Brake said,

"We can take pride in the nutritious school dinners Sutton Council offers, which won the Heartbeat Award for the past four years.

The Children's Food Bill would allow us to go further and shame food manufacturers who are lacing our children's food with unacceptable levels of salt and sugar.

The enthusiasm for the Olympics touches young and old. The Olympics is an opportunity to instil a love of sport. This enthusiasm for sport must be matched with awareness about the importance of eating healthy, nutritious meals."

Cllr John Dodwell, lead Councillor on Children's Services added,

"Schools have a major part to play in teaching young people about good nutrition and involving children in healthy eating. Sutton Catering Service and the schools already promote this but we need parents to reinforce this message at home."

Several local residents have already lobbied Mr Brake on this issue and the Children's Food Bill enjoys support from 137 national organisation.