Cumnock: Robert Burns Academy captains hosted school lunch

Liam and Kendal from the Robert Burns Academy welcomed guests from East Ayrshire Council, as they enjoyed a lunch prepared by the school's catering staff.

Together, they all tucked into a meal as part of the school deal, introduced by the council in August 2023 to tackle the cost of living crisis.

Liam and Kendal with cllr Douglas, Eddie Fraser, cllr McMahon, cllr Ingram and cllr Barton. (Image: David Gordon) The deal will continue at the Cumnock school and across East Ayrshire during the 20245/25 school year.

Primary six and seven pupils currently pay just £1.08 for their meal.

Secondary school pupils also pay £1.08 and choose a main meal, a drink, a piece of fruit and a snack.

East Ayrshire Council says that there is virtually no processed food used at any stage and East Ayrshire is the only local authority to have achieved Gold Soil Association Food Awards consecutively since 2008, having committed to using local suppliers for fresh ingredients.

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After hosting the lunch, Kendal, Robert Burns Academy School Captain, said: "The school lunch Meal Deal is a great, affordable option for the children and young people who attend the Barony Campus.

"I have a school lunch most days, the soup is the best - it’s healthy and delicious.

"Liam and I really appreciated Councillors Graham Barton, Neal Ingram, Jim McMahon, Barry Douglas, and Chief Executive Eddie Fraser taking the time from their busy days to join us for lunch."

Councillor Graham Barton, spokesperson for Planning, Property and Environment, was joined at the lunch by councillors Jim McMahon, Neal Ingram, Barry Douglas, Chief Executive Eddie Fraser and Head of Campus Tracy Stewart. 

Young people from Lochnorris Primary enjoying their school lunch. (Image: David Gordon) Cllr Barton said: "I was delighted to join Head of Campus Tracy Stewart and the Catering Services team for lunch with the young people from The Robert Burns Academy.

"It was a great opportunity to try the Meal Deal for ourselves, speak to the young people directly about issues that matter to them and their views of the Meal Deal, which were overwhelmingly positive.

"The team at Catering Services work incredibly hard ensuring that children and young people have access to wholesome, freshly cooked food made from excellent, fresh quality ingredients.

"They are also helping to make school lunch breaks interesting and enjoyable which in turn encourages children and young people to make good choices and enjoy a well-balanced diet. And for just £1.08 a meal it really is an unbeatable deal."