| Letter to Western Mail Cardiff |
|
|
|
|
Letters Editor, Western Mail, Cardiff 25th September 2003 Dear Sir We are pleased, that at last, it is being reported, that inadequate attention is given to school meals, and the dire public health consequences of current policy (25th September). In January 2001, we provided the Welsh Assembly Government with precise technical amendments to improve the nutritional quality of school meals. However, the standard adopted, mirrored the English regulation, which was not good enough. Regulation is important, but what is also essential is the political focus, and resources, to address those aspects of public policy that currently support the Assembly ’Health and Well Being’ framework. What we require is an expert school meals panel, to prepare a National Action Plan, as in Scotland. Where we have Health, Education, Agriculture, and other Departments working closely together to solve major issues of concern. An Action Plan not only requires action by the Assembly, but also by head teachers, governing bodies, parents, pupils, local councillors, with support from the new Wales Centre for Health, and the Food Standards Agency. All have a part to play. As a final comment, could we also suggest that the government’s Health and Social Care Review, gives equally serious attention to the nutritional needs of vulnerable older people, which we have also researched, and found wanting. Both these issues have been highlighted in evidence to government over the past five years, as reported in our previous newsletters, which are available from www. welshfoodalliance.org.uk °We hope that at last, after your welcome report, that °action will follow. Yours sincerely, Hilda Smith Press Officer Welsh Food Alliance |