On the occasion of the start of the school year, the mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi, wanted to highlight the resumption of school catering by the City of Nice. More than 22,000 meals are now being served to children. The commitment: variety, balanced meals, organic, labeled, and local products.
On July 4th, the City of Nice took back the management of school catering. Since then, 6,000 children have tested the meals, particularly during summer camps.
But it was yesterday that all the children returning to school could taste the city’s “new” cuisine. Christian Estrosi, along with his deputy for youth, Lauriano Azinheirinha, accompanied the children during their school meal at the Saint Antoine de Ginestiรจre school.
Balanced Meals
25 years ago, the city handed over school catering to private companies. In taking back this responsibility, the mayor admits: “We had more chances of failing than succeeding”. He also repeats: “When I visited schools, the children complained about the quality of the food.” He thus explains his desire to resume management to provide quality meals for the children.
The announced objective of this resumption: to offer balanced meals, thus combating obesity. To develop the menus, a Scientific Council on Nutrition has been set up.
The meals come from the central kitchen located on the road to Grenoble, and the employees from private companies have been taken over by the city.
Organic Products in the Spotlight
The City also wishes to prioritize local products.
This summer, children in the day camps had products from Puget-Thรฉniers, Villeneuve-Loubet, and St-Martin-du-Var on their plates. All beef, veal, lamb, pork, and poultry meats will be Label Rouge certified.
The children will have one organic item per meal tray and a fully organic menu once a month. Six different meals per week will be offered to the students.
Meanwhile, the price of the canteen will increase by only 4 euro cents in kindergarten and 5 cents in elementary school.
