Schools in mid-Essex are counting the cost of fighting the fat as sweets and soft drinks vending machines, which have earned schools thousands of pounds, are ditched
At the same time primary heads are now being put under pressure after it was announced that they will have to sort out their own catering arrangements in less than three months.
Vending machines income is worth up to £15,000 a year to schools.
But heads say the cost is not worth it compared to children's long term health
Chips, chocolate and crisps are being seen off the menu at Chelmer Valley High School in Broomfield where the school threw out its vending machines last term and is now looking for a new catering contractor to offer only healthy options.
The loss of vending machine income is expected to be between £10,000 and £15,000 a year
Deputy head Rob Cowling who co-ordinates the school's healthy eating policy said: "We feel it is not right to make a profit from students risking obesity and their long term health.
The Government announced this week a £2 million cash injection into anti-flab projects for schools But there will not be any money for Essex, as many schools in the county have achieved healthy school awards.
But the 'healthy' intentions of primary head teachers are under pressure as they battle to keep hot meals on the menu.
Essex education chiefs have handed back responsibility for catering contracts from this Easter after failing to award a central contract for provision to schools.
Published Thursday January 8, 2004
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