London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Heston and Isleworth 1911
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Heston and Isleworth]
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The following table shews the approximate cost (exclusive of the cost of preparation and condiments, service and wear and tear of dishes) per child as well as the physiological value of each day's dinner:—
| Cost in pence per child. | Quantities in grammes per child of | Energy supplied per child in calories. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proteins. | Fats. | Carbohydrates. | |||
| Monday | 1½ | 41 | 43 | 274 | 1700 |
| Tuesday | 1¾ | 28 | 15 | 153 | 900 |
| Wednesday | 1 | 30 | 16 | 120 | 800 |
| Thursday | 2 | 72 | 40 | 136 | 1300 |
| Friday | 1¼ | 21 | 41 | 140 | 1062 |
| Total | 7½ | 193 | 155 | 823 | 5762 |
| Daily average | 1 ½ | 38 | 31 | 165 | 1153 |
The physiological value of the daily average is short by
about 600 calories of the total daily requirements of the normal
school child of average age (10 years).
It is certain that to supply this physiological quantity, the
additional cost to the parent will not be more than 1d. per child.
2. The Children selected for meals.
During the year, the Canteen Sub-Committee decided to
have a report from me on the state of nutrition of each child
before determining as to whether it required school meals and
this has been done in every instance. Altogether during the year
applications were made for school meals on behalf of 312 children
and in 217 cases the applications were granted. In coming to
their conclusions on this matter, the Committee had before them—
1. A report from the School Medical Officer as to the
physical condition of the child,