School Meals Service

Aberdeenshire Council’s own School Meals Service provides lunchtime meals and other food features to pupils in all:

• Primary
• Secondary
• Special schools

Information

• A School Meals Service - Catering TODAY for a Healthy Future
• Free School Meals
• Cashless Catering in Secondary Schools
• Vending and Tuck Shops
• Medically Prescribed and Special Diets

Our Aim

Aberdeenshire Council supports and encourages healthier eating in order to give every school child the best start in life. We recognise that the eating habits formed in early childhood help to shape future behaviour and that educating children on the value of a balanced diet has life-long benefits. Our service will also encourage pupils to enjoy food through the social experience of having a school meal with their classmates.

Our Commitment

• To ensure all school meals meet the required nutritional standards set down by the Scottish Government.
• To provide attractive meals of good quality offering variety and a daily choice
• To build on the ‘Whole School Approach to School Meals’ to encourage positive change through partnership working schools and health promotion agencies.

Social Experience

We believe that School Meals are an important part of the school day, and should be a social and relaxing experience, where your children can taste and enjoy a variety of both familiar and new foods.

Major factors affecting this experience include

• Queuing
• Seating
• Timing
• Décor
• Furniture
• Service Points

It is recognised that these factors can have an effect on the enjoyment of the ‘Lunchtime Experience’ within the school dining room. Schools are being asked to consider these factors in relation to the school day.

Medically Prescribed Diets

Aberdeenshire Council has issued guidelines to all Schools to support children with Medically Prescribed Dietary requirements. For further information about how the School Meals Service can meet the dietary needs of pupils please view the Medically Prescribed and Special Diets link at the top of this page or contact your local School Office for assistance.

Free School Meals

A Free School Meal is a school lunch provided by Aberdeenshire Council to children whose families meet the required criteria. Eligibility is linked to the level of benefit/income a family receives. Application forms are available from your childs school and to download by clicking on the Free School Meals link. Find out more about Free School Meals.

Vending and Tuck Shops

It is recognised that these features are an important part of school food provision both during and outwith meal times.

Vending (Academies only)

Vending machines in use at present serve as an additional service to compliment the food and drinks currently available at the main service counters and help to reduce queues.

The types and amounts of products on offer are currently being reviewed in the interest of reducing sugar, salt and fat in the food and drink options available.

New vending machines are being introduced to provide further access to options that support a healthy lifestyle approach.

Tuck Shops (Primary & Special Schools)

Tuck Shops are being introduced at schools throughout Aberdeenshire Council’s School Meals Service. Choices on offer include homebakes, cheese & crackers, prepared fruit and vegetable sticks plus the following items are also available:

• Bottled water
• Milk
• Fruit juice
• New improved home bake recipes