In the letter Quince stated: “Thank you for meeting me on 15th December 2020 and for updating me on the full range of issues facing the food sector. It is vitally important to get feedback from those directly involved in delivering services to children and I hope to have the opportunity to seek more views during 2022, including from catering staff in schools.
“School food has a high public profile, but I can understand that people in the industry may sometimes feel that their efforts have gone unnoticed and unsung. I can assure you that this is not the case.
“Kitchen and canteen managers, chefs and catering assistants; suppliers of food and equipment and those involved in logistics and payment, have all contributed towards the provision of good quality, nutritious meals for pupils in our schools. This is an essential contribution if children are to learn effectively.”
He praised LACA for:
- The flexibility and initiative to keep services going in the face of unpredictability in supply and deliveries; and, of course, the uncertainties in planning and resourcing resulting from Covid.
- The vital commitment made to maintaining standards with the provision of appetising and nutritious meals.
- The time and effort made by staff to apply labelling to Pre-Packed for Direct Sale foods in line with the new legal duties arising from Natasha’s Law, especially in cases where ingredients may have changed.
Blake welcomed the Minister’s comments: “Our members have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic to feed children hot, healthy and nutritious meals, and are continuing to do so against a backdrop of rising costs and inflation.
“We look forward to continuing our work with the Minister and the Department for Education in ensuring meals meet the school food standards and in tackling childhood obesity.”
Read the full letter below.