Menu and school catering and cleaning services
The aim of school meals is to eat and learn together. School meals are tasty, nutritionally balanced, safe, sustainable and supervised. Mealtimes are also an opportunity for teaching and learning, where pupils learn good table manners and how to be considerate of others. Customer satisfaction is important to us, and we regularly ask pupils and staff for feedback. Vegetarian meals are offered alongside the standard menu in lower secondary schools and upper secondary schools.
School menus
School menus can be viewedon the eRuokalista website.
We followthe latest (2017)school meals recommendations issued by the National Nutrition Council. In line with these nutritional guidelines, we pay close attention to the nutritional content of our meals, the amount of salt and the choice of ingredients. School meals include, for example, vegetables, berries, fruit, high-fibre bread, low-fat meat and dairy products, and vegetable spreads. The ‘plate model’ provides a clear visual guide to what a balanced portion of food should look like on a plate. We follow a five-week rotating menu for school meals, taking into account the festive meals at Christmas and Easter.
Domestic / locally sourced food
When it comes to procurement, the selection of raw materials and menu planning, we prioritise domestic and locally sourced produce, as well as operating our catering services in a way that is consistent with sustainable development and takes environmental considerations into account. Potatoes and onions come from Siilinjärvi, whilst berries and bread products are sourced from the surrounding area. Meat, chicken, milk and dairy products are Finnish. We take the seasonal variation in fruit and vegetables into account when planning our menus. During the peak harvest season, our salads, tomatoes and cucumbers are sourced domestically. As the harvest season changes, ingredients may also be sourced from within the EU.
Special diets
In line with the new national allergy programme and guidelines, the aim is to avoid unnecessary allergy diets. In schools in the municipality of Siilinjärvi, we followthe national allergy programmein collaboration with the school health service. Pupils requiring a special diet are provided with a separate meal on the basis of a written statement from a school nurse or doctor. Allrequests for special dietsmust be made via the school nurse to the school kitchen.
Please let the kitchen know in advance if a diner requiring a specific special diet (e.g. coeliac, dairy-free, multiple allergies) will be absent, so that we can avoid preparing meals unnecessarily.
Skilled kitchen professionals
All schools in the municipality of Siilinjärvi have been awardedschool meals diplomas. The diploma is proof that the school ensures the nutritional, health and etiquette objectives set for school meals are met.
Environmental responsibility plays a key role in the kitchen’s operations.
Parents and carers are always welcome to discuss any matters relating to pupils’ meals with the staff at the dining area.
You can find the Oiva reports on food safety inspectionson the Oivahymy website. Type ‘Siilinjärvi municipality’ into the search box that appears.