 TV chef Jamie Oliver inspired a move towards healthy school meals |
Eight women have been presented with certificates as the first school dinner ladies in Kent to complete a training programme inspired by Jamie Oliver. The "back to basics" course on healthy school eating focused on freshly-cooked meats, vegetables and puddings.
Catering assistant Jackie McCue, one of those recognised by Kent County Council (KCC) on Friday, said she was seeing a revolution in children's eating habits.
Mr Oliver's Feed Me Better campaign led to government reform of school meals.
Ms McCue, who works at the Montgomery School in Sturry, near Canterbury, said: "Until that was publicised, I don't think people were really aware about how poor school food was."
She said serving healthier food made her realise that some children had never even seen certain types of vegetables before.
"It came as quite a shock to realise that some children had never tasted broccoli, had never tried butternut squash," she admitted.
Ms McCue said children at her school were already benefiting from new menus.
"Everybody's realising that healthier eating gives you better brain power and makes you study longer and concentrate more," she said.
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Some children had never tasted broccoli
