REFORM Senedd Member Laura Anne Jones has condemned the Welsh Labour Government and councils for failing to support Welsh farmers and food producers, after it emerged that much of the chicken served in Welsh schools comes from as far away as Thailand.

Laura said the revelation, made by Labour’s own MS Jenny Rathbone, shows just how broken the system has become under Labour, when a nation that prides itself on world class farming and food is feeding imported chicken to its children.

“Local councils may manage school meal contracts, but it is the Welsh Government that sets the tone, provides the funding, and must lead by example. Labour should be steering councils to buy locals and supporting them with the resources to do so.

“We have outstanding Welsh and British producers who meet the highest welfare and environmental standards, yet Labour would rather see taxpayers’ money spent overseas. Every meal served in our schools should use local, home grown produce. It is better for our children, better for our farmers, and better for our planet.”

Laura added that using local ingredients would cut food miles, boost local rural economies, and give pupils access to fresher and healthier meals. She also welcomed the long overdue review of school meal portion sizes, something she has consistently campaigned on.

“I am pleased to see that portion sizes are finally being reviewed, something I have been calling for in the Senedd for a long time, but it needs to be high quality local food.”

Laura said she will now be seeking clarity from local authorities in South East Wales on where the meat and produce served in schools came from, and whether councils are using Welsh or imported ingredients.

“Parents deserve transparency. People in Wales expect their children to eat food that is healthy, sustainable and wherever possible, produced in our country,” she said.

Laura Anne Jones said she will hold councils accounting over where the produce going into schools is sourced.

“We all know budgets are tight, but it should not be our children who suffer as a result. We all have a duty to protect them. First dedicated school transport goes, now this.”

“At every level of government, we have a duty of care to our children, and it seems to me that those in charge are failing to uphold their responsibilities.