SCHOOL dinners in the Holme Valley will be a thoroughly local affair from now on.
Catering bosses at Kirklees Council have awarded Holmfirth’s Andrew’s Greengrocers with the contract to supply more than 20 Holme Valley schools.
Owner, Andrew Bray, also revealed that Atkinson’s Butchers, at New Mill, had also won a two-year contract, meaning that many of the youngster’s lunches could well be 100% locally supplied.
He said: “It’s good that they are using local traders – it’s a big boost for business.”
Clr Jim Dodds, Kirklees cabinet member for Children’s Services, said both companies had successfully come through a 10-month trial and two-year pilot scheme and had been thoroughly audited to make sure they met food safety standards.
“The schools who receive the product are delighted,” he said. “Both suppliers take a pride in the food they deliver – the grocer knows what fruit and veg are best and when it is in season and Atkinson’s butchers have produced a special sausage recipe to suit the children's taste.
“The main bonus is that children know more about the food and take a lot more interest in where it comes from as most will know the local butcher and greengrocer.
“Parents too are delighted with the thought that local suppliers and produce is used as they have become more aware of the issues, mainly because their children come home and tell them.”
