Pupils across two Welsh counties are enjoying more home-cooked dishes thanks to a partnership between two councils which has seen the launch of a new school menu.

Monmouthshire and Powys county councils have worked together on the new menu, which is now available at all schools across the two counties. The new menu was launched on Monday 9th November at Crickhowell Primary School by representatives from both councils.

The new three-week menu has some great recipes including vegetarian options and all dishes meet the Welsh Government’s nutritional standards.

As well as the new menu, the catering teams of both councils are working closely and using their specialist knowledge on other areas of their work which will benefit both authorities.

Both organisations are now using joint themed day menus in schools and they are also sharing their knowledge of specialist software to nutritionally analyse dishes on the school menu to ensure it meets Welsh Government standards.

Councillor Darren Mayor, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Property, Buildings and Housing, said: “I’m delighted to be working with our colleagues from Monmouthshire on this project. We are looking at ways to deliver services differently to meet the financial challenges local government in the country faces.

“Not only will we able to work together to provide nutritious meals for our pupils, our joint working approach will make both our services more efficient.”

Councillor Phil Murphy, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for school meals added: "School meals are delicious, nutritious and fantastic value. Parents leading busy lifestyles can be assured that today’s school meals are far from being convenience food – they’re genuinely good for your children’s health, education and well-being and it would be difficult to find a better deal elsewhere.”

To view the menu on the Powys website go to www.powys.gov.uk/en/schools-students/school-meals-milk/ and to view it on the Monmouthshire website visit: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/school-meals