This event, which takes place between 12-1.30pm, gives Welsh MPs the opportunity to meet experts from the school food industry whilst enjoying ‘mouthwatering’ tasters from school lunch menus served across the country. Education catering staff are dedicated to ensuring that children get the benefits of a healthy nutritious school lunch.
As well as local pupils keen to share their knowledge of nutrition and healthy eating, local education authority (LEA) catering leads, suppliers and front line catering teams will be happy to chat about their daily experiences.
With over 300 local authorities, county and district councils, and London Boroughs represented in the membership, 80% of the school catering service in the UK is provided by LACA members. With around three million lunches being served every day in 27,000 schools, the LACA network is the country’s largest provider of school catering.
Judith Gregory, chair of LACA, commented: "LACA are delighted to host this event, kindly sponsored by Jenny Rathbone MS, to celebrate and showcase all the great work that is done by education catering teams across Wales to ensure that a hot, healthy and nutritious meal is provided for each child who wants one.
"Wales is the first UK nation to complete a rollout of universal free school meals for primary aged pupils and this could not have been achieved without education catering providers working closely with suppliers, support organisations and Welsh Government. We thank everyone for their support."
The ambitious roll out of universal free school meals in Wales has resulted in thousands of pupils benefitting from a nutritious hot meal each day. This has created jobs and opportunities for local suppliers to grow their business.
There is always more to do: increase the uptake of UFSM, invest in low carbon solutions and reduce food waste. LACA would like to thank Jenny Rathbone MS for sponsoring the event.