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For more than a century, school meals have helped children learn, grow and thrive, and today the Let's Dine team continues that tradition by serving over 9,000 freshly prepared, nutritionally balanced meals every day, in 44 schools across the Borough.

Menus are designed to meet Government food standards while offering pupils plenty of choice, with primary school children able to choose from two main meal options each day and secondary pupils benefiting from food court-style dining offers.

Each year, Let's Dine uses more than 60,000 apples, 34,322 satsumas, around 8,000 free-range eggs, 4,400 iceberg lettuces, nearly 6,000kg of bananas and 38,000kg of British potatoes in meals served to local children.

Healthy eating is at the heart of everything the team does. Meals are freshly prepared each day and feature seasonal produce and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. This commitment to quality has seen the service achieve the prestigious Soil Association Food for Life Bronze Catering Mark for five consecutive years. The award recognises high standards in nutrition, food sourcing and meal preparation.

The team also works hard to make mealtimes fun and engaging. Earlier this year, pupils enjoyed special World Cup-themed menus and activities linked to England's matches, helping bring a sense of excitement and creativity to lunchtimes.

As part of National School Meals Week, local boxing champion Liam Davies visited Donnington Wood Junior School to speak to pupils about the importance of healthy eating and how good nutrition can support sporting performance, wellbeing and concentration in the classroom.

Liam Davies said: "As an athlete, I know how important good nutrition is. Eating well gives you the energy to perform at your best, whether that's in the boxing ring, on the sports field or in the classroom. It was great to meet the pupils and talk about healthy choices and the role school meals can play as part of a balanced diet."

Councillor Shirley Reynolds, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, said: "National School Meals Week is a great opportunity to recognise the fantastic work of our Let's Dine team and celebrate the important role school meals play in supporting children's health, wellbeing and learning.

"Every day, the team provides pupils with freshly prepared, nutritious meals that help keep them fuelled for the school day. Their commitment to quality, healthy ingredients and high standards has been recognised through the Soil Association Food for Life Bronze Catering Mark, which they have now maintained for five successive years. This is another example of how Telford & Wrekin Council is delivering our Child Friendly Telford ambition, helping children and young people develop healthy habits, enjoy nutritious food and have the best possible start in life.

"We're proud of the difference the team makes to the lives of children across Telford and Wrekin, not only through healthy meals but by helping to create positive lunchtime experiences that pupils enjoy."

With National School Meals Week celebrating 120 years of school meals, the Let's Dine team is already looking ahead to another highlight of the school calendar, as catering teams across the Borough prepare to serve their popular festive Christmas lunches during the final week of term.

Interview with Liam Davies
What are your favourite memories of attending school?
Liam attended Donnington Junior School around 19 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed his time there, particularly being part of the school football team. He said he has always been very sport-oriented and that returning to the school brought back many happy memories. Liam also commented that not a lot has changed in the years since he attended, which made the visit even more special.

What was your favourite school meal as a pupil?
Liam's favourite school meals were Turkey Twizzlers and concrete cake with coloured custard.

If you could bring back one meal from your school days, what would it be?
Liam said he would love to bring back concrete cake and custard, although he also spoke fondly of the school's roast dinners and Christmas dinners.

How important is good nutrition in your daily training routine?
Liam explained that good nutrition is extremely important. As a professional boxer, he needs to carefully manage his weight before fights, so maintaining a balanced diet is essential. From Monday to Friday, he follows a clean eating plan guided by his nutritionist and focuses on meeting his nutritional requirements. At weekends, he allows himself a few treats, admitting that he still has a sweet tooth.

What advice would you give pupils about making healthy choices?
Liam believes healthy eating is all about balance. He explained that it is important to enjoy food while also making choices that benefit your body. According to Liam, the better you eat, the better you feel, and this helps you appreciate occasional treats even more.

How do you balance enjoying treats while maintaining a healthy lifestyle?
Liam said this largely depends on whether he has a fight approaching. During fight preparation, he eats very cleanly and follows a structured training programme. At weekends, he may enjoy a small treat during his downtime. When he is not preparing for a fight, he still enjoys the occasional indulgence but generally maintains a healthy diet.

How can healthy school meals help pupils learn and concentrate in lessons?
Liam explained that healthy food provides the body with the fuel it needs. Eating nutritious meals gives pupils sustained energy, helps them maintain concentration for longer periods, and ultimately supports their education and learning.

Do you think schools have an important role in teaching children about nutrition and healthy eating?
Liam strongly believes schools play a vital role in promoting healthy eating. He pointed out that for some children, a school meal may be the only hot meal they receive each day. Providing a balanced and nutritious diet can therefore have a significant impact on behaviour, concentration, wellbeing, and educational outcomes.

What is your favourite healthy meal now?
Liam's current favourite healthy meal is sourdough toast with avocado, a boiled egg, and hot honey jalapeño sauce.

What food do you miss most when preparing for a big fight?
Liam admitted that he most misses Sunday dinners and desserts, as he has always had a sweet tooth.

What does success mean to you?
Liam said: "I feel privileged to be in the position I'm in. Success is proof that hard work, dedication and consistency pay off."

How important is education alongside sport?
Liam believes education is just as important as sporting success. He explained that reading, writing and mathematics provide the foundation blocks for life, and that the more knowledge and skills a person develops, the greater the opportunities available to them in the future.

Liam's Key Message to Pupils
"Work hard, stay dedicated, and always strive for balance. Whether it's sport, education, or healthy eating, the habits you build today can help shape your future success."

Notes to Editors
Let's Dine by the numbers:
• 44 schools catered for
• 9,000 school meals served every day
• More than 60,000 apples used annually
• 34,322 satsumas served each year
• 38,000kg of British potatoes used annually
• Around 8,000 free-range eggs used each year
• Five consecutive years holding the Soil Association Food for Life Bronze Catering Mark