Christmas is back on the dinner table!

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Following last year’s controversy when Christmas was almost cancelled at many local schools’ dinner tables, Powys County Council has confirmed that it is full steam ahead for next month.

Powys County Council (PCC), anti-poverty champion, Cllr Joy Jones has had it confirmed that turkey and all the trimmings will be available in schools.

Last year, Cllr Jones organised a petition that received 6,000 signatures as a menu that resembled not much more than a packed lunch was revealed for Christmas 2018.

Cllr Jones said: “It has been confirmed that this year we have the traditional Christmas menu.”

The price will be as normal with £2.45 for primary and £2.55 for high school kids, which is less than last year’s meal which was done as a one-off and cost £3 per primary school pupil, 70p more than normal at the time.

Cllr Jones added: “It’s fantastic news that it’s not going to cost any more than a normal school meal.

“As Anti-Poverty Champion for Powys I felt it important as for some children it may be the only traditional Christmas dinner they get as some parents are facing problems financially and can’t afford to a have big traditional dinner this year.”

Last year’s Christmas meal was replaced by a filled sandwich, Margharita pizza finger, breaded coated chicken or vegetable nuggets, carrot and cucumber sticks, strawberry jelly and shortbread biscuit or fresh fruit.

Within days of the petition gathering huge support, PCC had changed their minds and a Christmas meal was back on the menu at an increased cost of a normal meal.