LACA will shortly be writing to government to express concerns and support for different challenges that the industry faces. We would like to add your support to the following letter.
By filling in the form at the bottom of this page you give LACA permission to add your name to the many others who will be backing the letter.
Please show your support.
THE LETTER TO GOVERNMENT
Dear ,
We, at LACA (the School Food People), representing the schools food industry, are writing to you to address the pressing challenges facing the school food industry in the UK but particularly England.
As advocates for nutritious and accessible meals for our children, we believe it is crucial to bring to your attention the significant hurdles that threaten the quality and sustainability of school food services.
Cost Challenges
The current funding for free school meals (benefit-based Free School Meals (FSM) and Universal Infant Free School Meals (UIFSM) is not aligned with the real costs of provision.
This discrepancy places immense pressure on local authorities, schools, academies and caterers, who strive to deliver healthy meals within increasingly tight budgets. The rising cost of ingredients, coupled with ongoing inflation, has made it increasingly difficult to maintain the standards our children deserve.
This is further compounded by the recently announced increase in employer National Insurance contributions.
Breakfast Provision
Breakfast is a critical component of a child’s day, yet it must be treated as a standalone service with adequate funding. The School Food Standards (SFS) require that breakfast provision meets specific nutritional criteria, which necessitates proper financial support. Without this, we risk compromising the health and well-being of our children.
Cost of Living Pressures
The ongoing cost of living crisis has exacerbated these challenges. Families are feeling the pinch, and many children rely on school meals as a vital source of nutrition. If funding is not increased to at least £3 per meal, we face the grim reality of declining standards and inadequate service provision. This is not just a financial issue; it is a matter of public health and social equity.
Call to Action
We urge you to recognise the importance of investing in our school food services to “raise the healthiest generation of children ever”. By increasing funding and ensuring that it aligns with the true costs of provision, year-on-year, we can safeguard the health of our children and support their educational journeys.
Together, we can create a future where every child has access to nutritious meals, regardless of their background.
Thank you for your attention to this critical issue. We look forward to your support in advocating for the necessary changes to ensure that our school food services can thrive.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Position]
PLEASE FILL IN THE FORM BELOW TO SIGNIFY YOUR SUPPORT