This year’s National School Meals Week (NSMW) at Belmont School in Harrow was a lively celebration, featuring nutritious meals, superhero costumes, and even a veggie-loving song! Supported by Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Free School Meal (FSM) initiative, every primary school child in London’s state-funded schools now has access to a daily, balanced meal. This initiative, which saves families up to £1,000 per child each year, is making healthy eating accessible to all. Belmont School has recently been selected by the Mayor of London as a case study on the benefits of free school meals, a programme supported by HCL since it became the school’s caterer in late 2023. Since HCL began providing school meals at Belmont, there has been an impressive uptake of free school meals, resulting in more than 90% of the pupils having a meal. This reflects students’ and families’ enthusiasm for these delicious, nutritious meals.
HCL is honoured to be part of this impactful programme, serving meals that students genuinely enjoy. Belmont’s teachers and parents have shared positive feedback, noting the benefits of balanced meals on children’s energy levels, focus, and ability to make the most of their school day.
For NSMW, Belmont’s dining hall transformed into a vibrant Superhero Zone, setting the stage for a “Superhero Lunch” alongside a “Feel Good Great British Lunch.” The star of the day was a freshly prepared roast, featuring locally sourced chicken, hearty gravy, and sweet potato slices. Joining in the festivities were HCL CEO John Want and Vicki Hislop from Bidfood, along with Belmont School Headteacher Mrs P. Aggarwall, Deputy Headteacher Mrs L. McKenzie, and Chair of Governors Manji Kara. Together, they enjoyed a delicious meal while engaging in lively conversations with students about food choices and healthy eating.
“Visiting Belmont School for National School Meals Week was truly inspiring. Seeing the children embrace healthy eating with our Great British Good Food menu, and their enthusiasm for our Superhero Veggie characters, reinforces the importance of nutritious school meals. Together, we're empowering a generation to make healthy choices, and it’s wonderful to see them becoming ‘superheroes’ with every bite!
– John Want, HCL’s CEO
The day was filled with laughter, music, and excitement. John and Vicki encouraged students to eat as many vegetables as they could to gain the powers that the veggies could provide them. The pupils were awarded capes as they transformed into superheroes, inspired by their enthusiasm for eating vegetables. The day ended with an impromptu performance by the pupils, chanting, “I love my veggies, I love my veggies, eat ’em up!” The catchy tune and enthusiastic singing reflected the fun Belmont’s students had with the NSMW celebration.
Students eagerly shared their thoughts on healthy eating with John and Vicki. One young superhero exclaimed,
“Today I ate my carrots and I became Captain Carrot!”
While another, asked why they loved HCL’s meal service, added,
“They give us more healthy things so we can be strong, and I love the yummy food.”
The excitement captured the spirit of the day, with Belmont’s kitchen team, led by Cook Manager Jenny Francis, ensuring that every child had an enjoyable and nutritious experience.
Belmont School’s commitment to the pupils goes beyond food. Recently awarded the OPAL Platinum Award for enhancing playtimes, Belmont consistently demonstrates its dedication to creating a nurturing environment where every child can thrive. Combined with the success of the FSM programme, this award underscores Belmont’s dedication to supporting students’ growth and well-being.
The headteacher reflected on the importance of these initiatives for the school community:
“Having a great nutritional meal served at our school, which is in an area of high deprivation, is so important for our community and it's great that HCL can support us to achieve that by celebrating National School Meals Week”.
-P. Aggarwall, Headteacher at Belmont
Throughout NSMW, Belmont embraced the joy of healthy eating through themed menus, superhero costumes, and a wonderful sense of community spirit. From veggie-themed songs to hearty roasts, the week was a vibrant reminder of the power of school meals in supporting young lives.
Thank you, Belmont, for an unforgettable celebration of food, fun, and wellness!
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