School pupils to feast on potatoes

School cooks across the country are being offered new inspiration for using potatoes on healthy menus for children - following an initiative between Potato Council and the School Food Trust.

The partnership between the two organisations has resulted in four new potato-based recipe ideas being rolled out to 22,000 schools in England, and aims to provide creative and appealing ways to include potatoes on school lunch menus.

Caroline Evans, Potato Council head of marketing and corporate affairs, said: "We’re delighted to be working with the School Food Trust to increase the number of potato-based options on school menus. Potatoes are an important part of balanced diets; providing many essential nutrients for growing children and are a great source of energy. Equally they are a low-cost kitchen ingredient and play an important role helping caterers meet strict budget and nutritional guidelines.

"These new recipes, which have been developed to specifically appeal to the target audience, will help us to build a real affinity between children and potatoes at an early age, helping to encourage positive eating habits which have the potential to remain with them into adulthood. This will benefit the long-term outlook for the industry."

Recipe sheets are also available for industry to use and pass onto schools or local authority catering contacts. For copies of the recipe sheet contact Potato Council marketing marketing@potato.org.uk