A new initiative has been launched to encourage Scottish pupils to eat nutritious salmon when choosing their school meals.
The 12-week pilot, which is underway in six of the seven secondary schools across the Stirling Council area, is supported by the local authority and welcomed by the Scottish government.
Locally-sourced salmon meals are available in canteens once-a-week, along with information on the major health benefits of eating oily fish and more than 20 simple family-friendly recipes being taught in home economics classes.
Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) will provide an independent scientific evaluation of the project, measuring both take-up of the salmon and receptiveness to the information.
The pilot could pave the way for a national roll-out, in line with the Scottish government’s ‘Good Food Nation’ policy which recognises Scottish salmon as high quality and healthy.
One secondary school will not offer salmon, functioning as a control sample for the scheme.
The project is being organised and run by representative body Salmon Scotland, in partnership with Stirling Council.
“We’re pleased to be involved in this pilot project led by Salmon Scotland in an effort to provide diverse and nutritious meal options for our school pupils,” Stirling Council Head of Education, Bryony Monaghan, said. “A well-balanced meal is known to promote educational development and incorporating locally sourced salmon in our school meals will make a great addition to the menu.”
Salmon Scotland Chief Executive, Tavish Scott, said the aim was to introduce more healthy nutritious food in school menus.
“We look forward to the results of this pilot and hope a national roll-out will follow so that more young people can make informed choices about healthy food to go with heathier lifestyles.”
Registered nutritionist Dr Lucy Williamson, commented, “Eating just one serving of oily fish a week, such as a fillet of farm-raised Scottish salmon, gives you more than two-thirds of your weekly omega-3 recommendation in a single meal.
“And the vitamin D in Scottish salmon is essential for immune function and supports bones, muscles and teeth – all vital for growing youngsters.
“We know there is an obesity crisis in Scotland, and presenting tasty and nutritious options to young people can help improve the health of the next generation,” she said.
