Industry expert: School report

Former LACA chair Pat Fellows MBE updates us on the latest in the school food sector...

I welcome the opportunity to write an update on the current situation in the school catering industry in this, the last edition of Contract Catering Magazine of 2022. What a difficult year it has been for everyone and we can only hope that 2023 will be better.

The difficulties that the school catering industry is experiencing have been in the media spotlight constantly throughout this time. Many campaigns have been launched to extend the entitlement to means tested free school meals to all children whose parents receive universal credit. Sadly, the government does not seem to be listening and it was not included in the chancellor’s financial statement on 17th November.

While this extension, of some 800,000 extra free meals a day, would be welcomed by the industry, there are some huge challenges to overcome currently in order to achieve it. Food costs continue to rise at an alarming rate, recruitment and retention is difficult with high levels of staff on sick leave, and there is limited capacity and equipment in many kitchens.

However, arguably the biggest problem of all is the Department for Education (DfT)’s funding of school meals, and the fact that very few caterers get the full allowance – £2.41 for universal free meals for key stage one and £2.47 for a benefitted free school meal.

The allowance for a free school meal in Scotland is £3.33, and I understand that providers are already asking for an increase to £3.85, £4,00 for rural schools. A minimum of £3.50 is needed in England.

The Local Authority Caterers Association continues to lobby government on a regular basis and its national chair, Brad Pearce, has frequent meetings with the DfT. On these occasions, the civil servants are left in no doubt about the seriousness of the current situation.

It is a dreadful reflection on our society that in the 21st century, millions of children are going hungry. In my opinion, there is no doubt that the school catering service is in the worst crisis I have seen in the last 50 years.

So, what can be done to protect this vital provision? I don’t have the answer, except to continue to put pressure on the government to increase the funding and to ringfence it to be delegated to the school caterers.

I regret having to write such a negative message at this supposedly festive time of the year, so I am going to finish on a positive note! The dedicated staff in school kitchens across the country face difficulties and challenges every day. Despite this, they continue to offer high quality hot lunches to their pupils and students. For me, they are the heroes who turn up and get on with their important jobs. Without them, we can achieve nothing. A toast with my Diet Coke, and a huge thank you for everything that you do.

I wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and, hopefully, a better new year.

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