'Tweaks' to school menus after decline in uptake

Ultra processed food was cut and local produce increased as of September 2025

A number of changes are being considered to primary school meals following a reported decline in uptake across the Isle of Man.

It follows major changes to menus that were implemented by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture (Desc) at the start of this academic year.

A written answer to a Tynwald question revealed that September saw a 10% drop in uptake from pupils since January, which fell a further 10% in October.

Desc Minister Daphne Caine said it was "disappointing" to see the decline but hoped to "encourage [students] to come back to school meals".

She said while she had hoped to see more "stable" figures , the primary school meals team were "tweaking and listening to feedback, so we can tweak the menu and improve it".

She hoped there would be a shift where "the healthy choice is the easy choice for the primary school children".

'Seasonal treats'

Among changes being considered was the re-introduction of tomato sauce, and the the minister said the team was looking at low sugar and low salt options.

But she said it was a balancing act to make sure children were being offered both healthy and tasty food options.

Ms Caine said: "Obesity is one of the biggest health concerns at the moment and what we need to do is make sure the meal on the plate is tasty and appealing to young students, but also that we've got ample fresh fruit and salad."

Changes were also being considered based on what had been popular and unpopular with students so far, such as swapping out peppers with sweetcorn.

And some changes had already been made, Ms Caine explained, after receiving "loud and clear" feedback about mayonnaise, which was re-introduced in the second week of the 2025 term.

She said schools were also preparing a "Christmas treat" and they were looking to introduce a "seasonal treat coming to each term".

The minister said the menus were based on national guidance, recommending 500 to 600 calories for lunch.

Menus were "carefully planned" so a "balanced meal" was offered to all students, she said.

"The team are absolutely listening to all the feedback. I think it's early days and I hope that children can come back," she added.