By Hannah Cargill, contract production manager, broilers, Avara Foods
As September arrives, an exciting milestone is marked in my household: my daughter is starting primary school. Along with the rush to buy uniforms, prepare stationery, and navigate the emotional terrain of this transition, we’ve received a glimpse into another significant aspect of her new routine: the school dinner menu.
The school dinner menu, detailing the culinary delights awaiting my little one, is a microcosm of modern British school life. Among the offerings, I noticed a trend: with the exception of a solitary sausage dish, every other meat option is poultry.
This observation prompted a moment of reflection on the humble chicken and turkey, and the role they play in our children’s lives. It appears that these birds are more than just a staple on our dinner tables; they are fundamental to the nutrition and well-being of the youngest generation.
This reliance on poultry is not merely a coincidence. The shift towards chicken and turkey in school meals aligns with broader dietary trends emphasising leaner proteins. Chicken and turkey are often seen as healthier, lower in fat, and more versatile in preparation compared to red meats. They provide essential nutrients, are generally less expensive, and are well-suited to the sometimes-picky palates of children.
But beyond the nutritional advantages, this menu highlights the quiet, consistent work of British poultry farmers. These people are unsung heroes, working tirelessly to ensure that our children have access to high-quality, nutritious food. Their farms, scattered across the countryside, are the starting point of a food chain that culminates in school canteens, where balanced meals help fuel the minds and bodies of future generations.
In an age of complex supply chains and processed food, recognising the direct link between local farmers and our children’s health is heartening. It reminds us of the community and interconnectedness that underpin our daily lives.
So, as we prepare for the new school year, I tip my hat to the good chicken and turkey farmers of the UK. They are, quite literally, feeding the future, and their contribution is something truly worth celebrating.