Blaenau Gwent primary school parents, I'm writing to express a shared concern about the recent changes to our children's school lunch menu. For many of us, including my family, the salad bar was more than just an alternative; it was a necessary option. Since the removal of choices like ham, turkey, and tuna mayo, many children, including my daughter, have found themselves without the meals they’ve grown accustomed to. On days when she doesn’t enjoy the hot meal provided, she would typically opt for a ham or turkey wrap.

The salad bar allowed our children to make choices that suit their taste and dietary preferences. It provided a sense of security knowing that they always had an option to rely on. Furthermore, having such choices is essential for children's growth and satisfaction during school hours, ensuring they are nourished and ready to learn. 

Recent changes have restricted those healthy, vital choices, leaving a noticeable void in our children's daily diet. Removing ham, turkey and tuna mayo from the menu, if a child wants a wrap the options are plain, or cheese. Often my daughter has had to choose a plain wrap and put plain pasta inside, or have 2 plain wraps. How is that nutritional. 
It's not just about preference; it's about ensuring our children receive a balanced diet that meets their diverse needs. By limiting their options, we are compromising their ability to eat well-rounded meals during their important developmental years.

A report by "Public Health Wales" on children's nutrition highlights the critical importance of providing diverse and healthy meal options in schools. School meals play a significant role in a child's diet and influencing their lifelong eating habits. Removing healthy, popular options like those offered at our salad bar could potentially discourage positive eating habits among our children.

We understand the need for budget control and organizational changes, but keeping the salad bar options inclusive of ham, turkey, and tuna mayo is paramount. These options are enjoyed by many students and are part of a varied, nutritious diet that many parents, like myself, want to see reinstated. This might be the only thing some kids eat all day and they’ve had it taken away

We urge the Welsh gov and school administration to reconsider their decision and bring back the previous salad bar options immediately. Let’s prioritize our children's nutrition and wellbeing over logistical conveniences.

Please sign this petition to restore the salad bar options, ensuring our children enjoy healthy, appealing meals each day at school. Together, we can make a change. Your support is needed.