Caerphilly County Borough Council has become the first in Wales to implement its new menu featuring Welsh produce.

The council has now almost doubled its expenditure on Welsh produce.

This follows a successful trial period earlier this year.

The menu was introduced with the support of the Larder Cymru Welsh Food for Schools initiative.

This initiative saw Caerphilly join five other counties, namely Wrexham, Flintshire, Anglesey, Gwynedd, and Cardiff, in using more locally sourced ingredients in their St David’s Day dinner menus.

The initiative was delivered by Menter Môn, based in Gwynedd and Anglesey, with backing from the Welsh Government's Foundational Economy Backing Local Firms Fund.

A tasty pear brownie with vanilla ice cream (Image: Supplied) Marcia Lewis, principal officer for Caerphilly’s catering service, said they have made huge strides in the two years since the Universal Primary Free School Meals (UPFSM) programme was rolled across Wales to help combat the cost-of-living crisis.

She said: "Looking back over this period it’s fantastic to see the progress Caerphilly has made.

"We were fortunate to hit our target a year ahead of schedule which was a true reflection of the commitment and determination of all involved in making it a great success.

"All this was achieved whilst prioritising the use of local produce on school menus, which not only enhances the project’s value for pupils but also supports the local economy and promotes sustainability."

Marcia said that the closer links with Larder Cymru and collaboration with designer Michelle Griffiths from Rose-Innes Design, and photographer Huw Jones, who together created vibrant, informative menus for the schools, also had a positive impact.

She added: "The dedication to provide free meals to all primary-aged pupils means Caerphilly is setting a positive precedent for other authorities.

"Access to nutritious meals is crucial for children's development, learning, and well-being, and our proactive approach showcases a commitment to making a meaningful difference in learners’ lives whilst increasing local products and the supply chain."

Ravioli and focaccia (Image: Supplied) Among the companies supplying the schools are Llaeth y Llan village dairy, Woosnam Dairies, Brace’s Family Bread, Castell Howell, The Celtic Pie Co, Ellis Eggs, Celtica, Authentic Curries and World Foods, Celtic Pride, Langford’s, Popty Bakery, Bishop, Dragon, Mario’s Welsh ice cream, and Farm Fresh meat specialists.

Menter Môn’s food project manager, David Wylie, said the Caerphilly model could now be replicated by other local authorities in Wales.

He said: "They have shown a real determination to make this work and been a huge supporter of local producers in their region, which is demonstrated by both the uplift in spend and the number of pupils signing up for free school meals."