Halal School Meals in London Borough of Havering
Proposal by Essex Cultural & Youth Society (ECYS)
 

ECYS is a registered charity which has been operating in Havering since 2012, and is well-placed to represent the views of Muslims in the area.

Proposal
We propose that children in Havering should have a halal option in their school meals.

What is halal food?
Halal means something is permitted. Halal food is food which is permitted according to Islamic principles. Most foods found in UK school meals are automatically halal, but the major exception is that meat from cows, sheep and chickens can only be halal if the animal is slaughtered in accordance with halal principles. Meat from pigs, and anything made from pigs (such as gelatine) cannot be halal.

Is halal slaughter cruel to animals?
UK animal welfare standards require animals to be stunned before slaughter to reduce pain and suffering, but there is an exemption for religious purposes. However, according to the RSPCA, well over half of halal meat in the UK comes from animals which have been humanely stunned before slaughter.

Who can eat halal food?
Anyone, Muslim or non-Muslim can eat halal food.

Why are we proposing halal school meal options?
Everyone knows how important it is for all children to have a healthy diet, and that includes a good balance of proteins. Most children in the UK obtain the majority of their protein intake from meat. Muslim pupils in Havering schools are unable to eat the non-halal meat options, and this means that their diets may not meet the daily protein requirement recommended by the NHS and other government bodies.

Why is this important for Havering?
In 2018 Havering adopted its “One Havering: Community Cohesion Strategy 2018 – 2022” which aims to promote “a cohesive, healthy and optimistic borough, underpinned by modern British values; where everyone experiences dignity and equal life chances... and different community groups interact with, respect and value each other...” Between the 2001 and 2011 census the Muslim population in Havering grew by almost 170%, which is the biggest increase for any religious group. Since 2011, the number of Muslims moving to Havering and starting families has continued to increase in line with this trend, because Muslims appreciate that Havering is a welcoming borough where the council is committed to equality and diversity. Muslims are, and will likely continue to be, the second largest religious group in Havering, and will continue to play an important role in Havering’s vibrant community life.

Offering halal meal options will be a major step for the council in meeting the aims of its Community Cohesion Strategy. It will increase cohesion in school life by making sure that Muslim pupils feel fully included at lunch times, and feel that their faith is treated is with dignity and respect. It would also increase cohesion in the wider population and help non-Muslims become more familiar with this important aspect of Muslim life.

What is the impact of free school meals for Muslim families in Havering
There is a high rate of poverty amongst Muslim families in Havering, with many of them qualifying for free school meals. This increases the importance of ensuring that Halal meal options are available. 

How are school meals currently provided in Havering?
School meals in Havering are currently provided by HES Catering Services, which is the borough’s in-house provider. According to their website they have high ethical standards and “offer bespoke solutions and assistance to individual schools”, and “85% of dishes are cooked fresh onsite”.

What would a halal menu option taste like?
A halal menu option would taste exactly the same as non-halal dishes currently being prepared by HES Catering Services.

What changes would be required to introduce halal meal options
Halal meat is widely available in the UK. At least 51% of lamb, 31% of chicken, and 7% of beef is now religiously killed. All major supermarkets sell halal meat. 15% of KFC outlets are halal, and for Nando’s that figure is more than 18%, and rising.

As HES Catering Services is already able provide bespoke solutions and cook 85% of its dishes onsite, the only change that would be required would be to source responsibly slaughtered halal meat and prepare it onsite along with other dishes, but taking care to keep halal foods away from food containing pork. HES Catering Services would be able to decide whether to make all meat options halal or to provide a halal meat option alongside non-halal meat options.