Jersey Deputy Advocates for Increased Food Funding Amid Cost of Living Concerns

Deputy Louise Doublet has called for increased government funding for healthy food initiatives, citing the significant impact of the rising cost of living on families. Her remarks followed a debate in the States Assembly on September 29 regarding the school food program.

While the government announced in September that fresh fruit would be included in the school food program for government primary schools, Doublet expressed reservations about the effectiveness of previous trials. She noted that the Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning, Catherine Curtis, had previously stated that a free fruit scheme led to "a lot of wastage" and that parents had requested fruit be integrated into the existing school food program.

Doublet acknowledged the minister's response that the initiative had not significantly increased children's consumption of fruits and vegetables. However, she argued that the scheme's benefits concerning the cost of living had not been adequately measured. "Personally I would like to see more investment in healthy food especially if it's locally grown food to help families with the cost of living," she stated.

Regarding the contract with UK company Apetito Limited to supply hot school meals to government primary schools across Jersey, Doublet understood it was considered the "best available option." She addressed concerns about food freshness, clarifying that the meals are understood to be frozen rather than artificially preserved. "I would like to see these funded meals extended further because it hits the cost of living for parents and... provides healthy meals for children," she added, emphasizing the dual benefit of supporting families financially and ensuring children receive nutritious meals.