The Chips Are Down

Citation

(2001), "The Chips Are Down", Nutrition & Food Science, Vol. 31 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/nfs.2001.01731caf.002

The Chips Are Down

The Chips Are Down

A review by Dr Mabel Blades, independent freelance dietitian and nutritionist, of Nutrition and Dietetic Services, 202 Newton Road, Rushden, Northants NN10 0SY; e-mail: mabel@qmnds.demon.co.uk

Produced by the Health Education Trust and the Design Dimension Education Trust, the publication has been sponsored by The Meat and Livestock Commission.

Food provided in schools plays an important contribution to the diet of young people and hence to their health and future wellbeing.

The Chips Are Down provides a comprehensive update by Joe Harvey who was instrumental in the original work in developing School Nutrition Action Groups (SNAGs). The concept of SNAGs involves the promotion of a whole food approach to food education in schools. Therefore the food served in schools together with the presentation and service are all considered to be vital components of this whole school approach. The whole food approach is enthusiastically described in The Chips Are Down with clear details of who should be involved in this and how it can be an inspiration for changes in the school.

The Government's Nutritional Standards (for school lunches), which will come into effect in April 2001, are fully described for nursery schools, primary schools and secondary schools. The practical implications for these standards are also covered, which can be invaluable for caterers, governors, managers and head teachers alike.

Excellent models of good practice are enclosed, which include comments from pupils of different schools, to give a consumer perspective. The final section of The Chips Are Down provides a useful and easy to use list of additional sources of information.

The Chips Are Down would be an essential book in every school. Dietitians, nutritionists, school nurses and doctors, health promotion staff and anyone providing food in schools will find it vital to their work. Also many parents concerned about what their children are eating in schools and about learning about food will also find it extremely interesting.

The Chips Are Down can be obtained by sending a cheque for £15 made payable to The Chips Are Down Account, to The Chips Are Down, Freepost, PO Box 132, Stockport SK1 3YW together with details of where to send the book.