Bolton families are being reminded they can still sign up for school meals, which are amongst the most affordable in the country.
The price to buy a lunch for nursery and primary school children (in years three to six) is £1.40, making Bolton’s meals the second cheapest in the UK.
Nationally, the average price of a meal is approximately £2.30.
Cllr Nick Peel, Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, said: “We first started doing discounted lunch promotions in 2009.
“The scheme is now in its seventh year and Bolton’s school meals are still the second cheapest in the UK.
“This means that for the families of primary pupils from year three to six, are saving an average of £190 per child per year, compared to other towns and cities in the country.
“Our meals have to meet strict nutritional guidelines and enjoying a healthy, freshly prepared lunch can help with learning and attainment. It also gives our younger residents a better chance of learning good dietary habits in adulthood.
“We hope that families continue to take advantage of the offer.”
Around 74 per cent of children in the borough are tucking into a school meal compared to 66 per cent per cent of youngsters nationally.
The council’s school meals service also cook up special menus to tie in with school curriculum, festival occasions or seasonal events.
For Bonfire Night, the menu includes bonfire bangers and firecracker calzones with twister fries. At Christmas, menus include a traditional roast turkey dinner with all the trimmings and a special Christmas dessert.
To sign up for a school meal, contact your school. For more information about school meals visit http://www.bolton.gov.uk/schoolmeals.
All reception, year one and year two children receive free school meals in a Government initiative, in place since September 2015.