The event was held during LACA’s National School Meals Week by the ‘Feed the Future’ campaign coalition including The Food Foundation, Chefs in Schools, Sustain, Child Poverty Action Group, School Food Matters, National Education Union, Bite Back 2030 and Impact on Urban Health.
Held in the Aldersgate Room and attended by over 150 people, it began with a ‘school lunch’ served up by chefs Tom Kerridge and Melissa Hemsley. Attendees were given a chance to meet people who have benefited from free school meals and young campaigners advocating the advantages of a healthy diet on their long-term well-being and development.
A panel session chaired by Laura Sandys, founder of the Food Foundation, discussed how good school food can become a priority for all political parties. A second session chaired by doctor and TV presenter Xand van Tulleken debated the benefits of free school meals.
Sarah Ainsworth, chief executive of Central Hall Venues, commented: “We were delighted to host The ‘Superpowers of Free School Meals’ conference at our venue during National School Meals Week and see the wide range of discussions on this important topic.
"As an organisation which exists purely to maintain our historic buildings such as Central Hall Westminster and donate to charitable causes, we love to host events that align with our values.”